《The Rune Knight》


 Prologue: Humble Beginnings

    The small child ran through the streets her bare feet hitting the cold stone as she ran from the market. Three towns guard chased after her breaking into formation through the plaza of the Nine Mothers. The young girl saw the open temple door and rushed inside her heart pounding.


    Suddenly, a strong arm lifted her by the collar of her shirt and turned her to face him. "Again, Revna?" The man hissed. "What were you nabbing this time?" She looked away sheepishly. "Pockets. Now." He stated as he set her on the ground.


    She turned to run, and he lifted her off the ground again, "Lille venn..." the girl fought hard against the man. "Strong. That''s good. Revna, we are not going to hurt you."


    At the word we, she stopped fighting and sagged in his arms. She turned to see the High Priestess from Mountain''s Rest standing beside him. "We will take it from here Captain Leifr," she sighed.


    "I am more than happy to escort her back to her home, Priestess Rullstene." He stated, then noted the sadness that crept across the priestess'' face.


    "This is her home, Captain." The priestess took Revna''s hand in hers and offered a smile that didn''t quite reach her rainbow geode eyes. "Come now s?ta listen to the captain and empty your pockets."


    She reluctantly emptied her pockets revealing a small raven figurine. The priestess sighed and muttered under her breath in primordial as she took the figurine from the child and handed it to the Captain of the Guard.


    "I''m sorry," the girl muttered as she ran further into the temple. She turned the corner and sat just out of sight but not out of earshot.


    "Iskra," Captain Leifr started, "I didn''t know she was one of your charges. Her mother..."


    "Disappeared about a month ago leaving Revna on the front steps of the temple," the priestess sighed. "She is too young to process this type of emotion."


    There was a brief moment of silence and then Revna heard the Captain set his shield against the nearby bench. "Would an extra set of eyes help keep things in check? I think my son Rune would be willing to help with the children here. He is always looking for ways to help around the house and in town. I''ll send him by first thing in the morning."


    "I would never turn down help, Captain." Iskra sighed, "Your son isn''t much older than most of the children here? Halvar is the same age isn''t he?"


    "Rune is very responsible, Iskra." He stated proudly. "He may be young but he has the heart of a future Captain of the Guard."


    Iskra laughed, "Alright Fell." Her laughter echoed through the empty temple. "Halvar needs a friend anyway."


    ...


    Revna watched as the older boys played with the wooden swords. Her arms were drenched with soapy water as she scrubbed the stone courtyard. Her punishment for sneaking out of the temple yet again. She sighed as she threw the wet brush into the bucket, the water splashing up toward her face.


    "Hey Revna!" Rune called from the grassy clearing. "You and Halvar would probably be a better match up!" He giggled as Halvar smacked his back.


    "Are you calling me a girl?" Halvar had taken offense to the statement.


    Revna sighed, "Maybe I would be!" She yelled back.


    "I would win any day!" Halvar argued as his friend laughed beside him.


    "Let''s see it then," Rune smirked as he tossed his wooden sword to the girl and she caught it perfectly. "Take your positions!" Revna copied the stance she had seen the older boy take time and time again. "On my mark..." Halvar looked flustered as he took his usual position. "Go!"


    Revna struck quick, noting Halvar''s distraction. She went for his weak spot that she had seen Rune abuse time and time again. She struck true and the younger boy yelped in surprise. She turned striking again and again. Halvar barely had a chance to get his defenses up. He went to strike but was blocked once, then twice. Rune stepped back in awe as he watch the young girl demolish his friend. The movements were graceful and quick. She had been practicing, there was no doubt about that.


    "How long should I let this go on for?" Rune jumped at the sound of his father''s voice. "Iskra will be a nightmare if her son is injured."


    "He can handle himself," Rune stated with a grimace as the younger boy took another direct hit causing him to stumble backward. "Revna is just handling better."


    "Hmm," he sighed. "I think we should get her in the junior training program."


    "I''m not so sure about that," both Rune and the Captain jumped at the sound of Iskra''s voice. "She''s going easy on him. She thinks she''ll get in trouble if he gets hurt." She rested against the cobblestone fence. "He doesn''t want to hurt her either."


    "She obviously has the upper hand," Rune stated.


    Iskra shook her head, "Halvar has been told never to use his offensive magics against you two." Rune and Fell turned. Rune a look of confusion and Fell a look of curiosity.


    "That''s not fair," Rune stated. "He should be able to..."


    "His magic can do much more harm than those wooden swords," Fell stated a small smile playing at his lips. "Halvar! Let go of some of that magic! She can take it!"


    Iskra shook her head knowing her son well enough, but she realized she missed judged as a shard of ice flung forward hitting Revna in the shoulder and then exploded on impact. Revna stumbled backward but remained standing, her shoulder now a bloody mess.


    Halvar was cursing in primordial as Revna went to swing once more. "Stop!" A booming voice caught the three children and two other adults by surprise. "No more of this nonsense!" Halvar dropped his sword instantly as Revna''s grip tightened on hers. "Girl, do not test me." The man had dark black hair and green eyes.


    "High Priest Rullstene," Fell stated as he placed a hand on Rune''s shoulder. "The children were practicing their abilities under the watchful eyes of myself and the High Priestess."Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    "Captain Leifr," he sighed, "I appreciate your..." he glanced over the man, "help. This is a place of worship, not a training ground. Halvar, you know better."


    "Sorry, father..." the boy stated his rainbow eyes locked on the ground in front of him.


    Revna furrowed her brows standing her ground, refusing to release the wooden sword in her hand. She glanced at the boy next to her and his eyes darted toward her then back to the ground. Revna took a few deep breaths and released the sword, her head bowing slightly. "Sorry, sir." She muttered softly.


    ...


    Revna sat with her head bowed in the temple proper. She was in the middle of her daily prayers when she heard the soft "sneaky" footsteps come up behind her. She rolled her eyes as Halvar and Rune jumped behind her and yelled.


    "Oh, so scary," she sighed as she made a quick glance to see two priestesses giggling in the corner of the room.


    "How do you always know?" Rune grumbled. "Halvar said he used his magics to make us quieter."


    "You two and the idea of quiet, oxymoron." She stated as she stood Halvar chuckled as Rune gaped. "What? I think everyone in here would have known that you two were coming."


    "My mother sent us to get you," Halvar stated with a smirk. "It was Rune''s idea to try to startle you."


    "Nuh-uh!" Rune glared at his friend, "This was all your idea. Trying to set me up I see...You afraid of the wrath of Revna? I''m not..." He took a steading breath and stood tall.


    Revna smirked, "What is this wrath of Revna you speak of?"


    Rune''s eyes widened and he stammered, "Y-you know...when you get angry..."


    "My mother is waiting for you," Halvar stated effectively saving his friend from sticking his foot further into his mouth. "She is in the grand study."


    She eyed her friends causing them to shift uncomfortably. "We''ll talk more later." She pushed past the two boys and made her way toward the grand study.


    As she approached the door she could hear soft speech just beyond. She slowed and stood just beyond the door to see if she could hear what the adults in the next room were discussing.


    "Iskra, I agree with you," the high priest''s voice was calm. "She needs the additional training. But this is a place of worship, not..."


    "Destin," she started. "You know as well as I do that we need to be prepared for what is to come. It is not a coincidence that Revna is here. The prophecy is..."


    "Not about her," the man sighed. "We''ve been over this many times Iskra. That prophecy has to be tied to another. It could be young Thyra for all we know."


    The voices hushed and Revna pressed her ear to the door, "The prophecy is about a young girl with the heart of a warrior...There is no better fit than Revna. She is strong willed, she would fight for..."


    "Herself," he stated. "She is a child, Iskra. She fights for herself, for her own survival. This child is not who the prophecy is about. She can''t be."


    Iskra groaned, "You are not still stuck on the idea that the girl is supposed to be from our family line? Halvar is and will be our only child, Destin."


    "What if this prophecy is further than we think?" He was moving notes across his desk. "What if...Iskra, what if it is you? Not you now...but what if..."


    She laughed, "You are sounding like a crazed man." Her laughter rang through the hall. "I am no warrior."


    "But you are strong willed," he countered. "You would fight to the death to protect this temple. How is that not the heart of a warrior? Just because you are not actively training to fight, doesn''t mean that..."


    Revna stepped away from the door quietly and made her way back down the hall. She then made her steps loud and echoey as she approached the door once more.


    "Ahh, Revna!" Iskra smiled warmly, the man offered a small smile as well. "We have a proposition for you." She glanced back toward the man and he nodded. "A young girl about your age arrived at the temple earlier today. She is in need of a tour of the temple and surrounding areas. Would you be willing to accompany her?"


    Revna furrowed her brow, but nodded. "The surrounding areas as well?"


    Destin nodded, "Just to The Plaza of the Nine Mothers. The girl will be acting as messenger between the temple and the city central."


    Revna nodded, "I am done with my training for today. Should I go now?"


    Iskra and Destin glanced at each other. "How has your training been going, Revna?" Iskra asked and Destin closed his eyes and took a deep breath.


    "Fine," she stated. "Captain Leifr says I have the heart of a warrior." She smiled as she caught the look Iskra gave the high priest. "What is the new girl''s name?"


    "Thyra," Destin smiled.


    ... A few years later


    Revna grimaced as she stepped up to the temple proper, she had been gone for weeks and it was her first night back in Mellanberg. Her ribs ached from the beating she had taken just a few days ago on her way back into town. Her hand held her side as she used her weight to open the temple door.


    She was surprised to see the High Priest in the main hall, his hair disheveled and his face grim. When he saw her step into the room he smiled but it didn''t reach his eyes. She glanced around the room looking for Iskra. The older woman was nowhere to be seen. Her eyes landed on Halvar kneeling at the altar, his shoulders shaking. She noted the others in the room, Rune and a very pregnant Thyra, no sign of the Captain of the Guard, a few of the other priests and priestesses.


    "Welcome back, Revna." Destin stated and Halvar''s movement stopped. "We are so happy to see that you made it home."


    "Where''s High Priestess?" She asked grimacing as her ribs cracked. "Where''s Captain Leifr?"


    Destin looked down solemnly, for the first time Revna saw genuine sadness on the man''s face. "While you were gone, there was an illness that swept through the town." Revna shook her head. "Captain Leifr and Iskra are gone."


    Revna felt her knees buckling below her. Halvar was there in an instant, catching her as she slumped to the floor. She couldn''t catch her breath as panic rose. Halvar knelt beside her trying to get her to look at him, but she couldn''t bring herself to look into his eyes, those rainbow geode eyes.


    "Revna," Halvar''s voice was soft. "You need healing...let me heal you." She pushed him away as her tears turned to sobs and cries of pain. "Please..." tears were building in his own eyes. She reached her hand out and took his squeezing tightly. He nodded in understanding as a cure wounds washed over her.


    She felt his magic wash over her. The familiar warmth filled her and memories swirled in her mind. The sensation was so similar to when Iskra had healed her as a child. She leaned into the young man as her sobs continued. She didn''t notice Thyra and Rune make their way over to the pair. Rune resting a reassuring hand on Halvar''s shoulder while Thyra reached out to Revna.


    ...


    Revna''s eyes shot open. She was lying on the mat, her breathing ragged. From the mat she could see Rune chuckling as he stepped off the platform. Thyra was standing at the bottom of the steps, a small infant in her arms. Then there was Halvar, his hands glowing with a soft seafoam green light.


    "Easy now," he stated his voice warm. "That should do it." She gasped as her ribs popped back into place. "Sorry about that..." He rubbed the back of his head and she noted the amethyst gems near his temples and his eyes. He extended his arm to help her up. She didn''t take it as she stood. He let the arm fall and nodded slowly.


    "Halvar! Stop flirting and get over here!" Rune shouted from the ground. "Revna, ready for round two?"


    "She''s barely stable," Halvar argued as Revna''s size increased dramatically.


    "Then make me more stable," she shot back. "Yes, I''m ready."


    "Gods above..." Halvar muttered to himself as he sent a healing word her way and leapt off the platform.


    She was distracted. Her eyes kept glancing toward Halvar. She shook her head trying to clear her mind and focus on the sparing lesson with Rune. She failed miserably. Once again her eyes shot open and she was gazing at his. The rainbow geodes sucked her in and she felt warmth run over her as he healed her once more.


    "We need to stop meeting like this," he chuckled.


    "Breakfast?" She asked quietly.


    So quietly in fact that he thought he misheard her. "Really?" She nodded slowly. "Of course."


    "Meet me at The Plaza of the Nine Mothers tomorrow at dawn," she said quickly as she stood. "Breakfast is on me."


    The next morning came quickly and Revna sat waiting for the young man well before their meeting time. The air was chilled and snow littered the ground. She smiled brightly when she saw the young man making his way down the far side of a path. He seemed to be ignoring the trail through the snow and making his own.


    He returned the smile, "I love the sound of crunching snow beneath my feet." His eyes were bright. "You know that fresh snow makes a completely different sound than snow that has been walked on already. And packed snow is different than..." Revna''s lips had locked with his and his eyes widened quickly.


    She pulled back a smile on her face, "I hope that wasn''t too forward, but I didn''t want to waste time if you didn''t think the same way..." He pulled her chin up and their lips met once more.


    "I think the same way," he smiled warmly as they broke apart.


    ...


    "Why don''t we let the lovebirds blow off some steam?" Rune chuckled as he stepped off the platform. "Revna, Halvar? Take your positions in the sparing ring."


    Halvar gave Rune a disapproving glare as Revna stood with a smile, "Should I go easy on him?" She chuckled.


    Rune shook his head, "No need Revna, he''ll surprise you." She took her position on the far side of the ring and motioned for Halvar to join her. "First one down, buys dinner!"


    Reluctantly he stood to his feet, "I really am more of the healing type..." he sighed dramatically. "Not much of a fighter. And I honestly don''t think that..." Smack! The wind knocked out of him as the hilt of Revna''s longsword hit him square in the chest. Then a crack as the sword came around against his left side. "Well..." He turned his attention to her and cast cone of cold on her. He frowned when he realized it didn''t do nearly as much damage as he was expecting.


    She smirked and gave him a wink as she grew to about 8 feet tall. She towered over him. She pulled her sword back and struck again, this time he dodged out of the way but not fast enough for her second strike. He stumbled backward, but held his ground. He turned and cast blight. Again the damage was not as great as he had thought it would be. He prepared for the blow and it struck. Then again to his right side.


    "Enough!" A voice boomed from the ground below the platform. The two stopped immediately, Revna dropping her weapon to the platform. "Rune, explain. Immediately!"


    Rune ran his hand through his hair a small awkward smile as he tried to talk his way out of the trouble he was about to be in. Revna smirked, glancing at Halvar he had an equally bemused grin. Rune may be their friend, but with how much shit he put the two of them through it was fun to see him get his ass handed to him on occasion.


    "Revna, Halvar!" The priest yelled. "Go clean up. Then I want the temple grounds to be spotless."


    "Wait, what?" Revna frowned.


    "Spotless," the man sighed as he walked away.


    They begrudgingly followed the high priest''s directions and began making their way to the courtyard to clean. Rune did not follow.

 A Falling Out

    ... 7 years later


    Halvar paced as Revna sat before him, her face bruised and bloodied from her most recent "adventure" in the city. One of the priestesses was patching her up. She frowned pulling away from the priestess slightly as she dabbed the cloth to her broken skin.


    "Halvar?"  She noted his concern, "What''s wrong?"


    He rolled his eyes, "I was worried about you. Then you end up in here after a bar fight? You weren''t even drunk. Just riled up the whole bar. What''s gotten into you lately?"


    "I''m fine," she sighed as the priestess eyed her then quickly took her leave.


    Halvar caught the glance from the priestess and shook his head. "No more lies, Revna. What is going on?"


    She took a deep dreading breath and motioned for him to sit. He took the seat across from her and she looked away. She was fidgeting. She was never like this around anyone, especially not him.


    "I''m pregnant," she stated. "And I''m leaving the temple."


    His jaw dropped. He didn''t believe what he was hearing. Then the events that led them to this room warped into view. Anger rose suddenly that he was not aware he could hold. "What were you thinking starting that fight today? You could have gotten seriously injured."


    "I wasn''t thinking," she stated. "That''s why I need to leave. I can''t stay trapped in this temple forever. I need adventure. I need..."


    "I need you," Halvar''s eyes were watering. "I won''t be able to raise a child on my own. I..."


    "I''m not asking you to," she stated plainly. "Rune and Thyra have offered to help raise the child in Ijos. We can all live..."


    Halvar''s face fell and his voice was cold, "I''m not leaving the temple." Revna''s eyes widened. "I have obligations to the temple and to Skadi. I am not leaving."


    "I''m not staying," Revna stated her eyes beginning to water.


    "I cannot make you stay," he stated his eyes falling to the floor. "Is there anything that I could do to change your mind?" She shook her head and he nodded. He stood slowly, closing the distance between them in a few steps. "I am sorry." He placed his hand over her abdomen. "Be safe. Please." He turned to leave walking toward the door, and he didn''t look back.


    ...


    Revna groaned as the pain rippled through her abdomen. She had felt pain before but never like this. She muttered to herself curses in giant as Thyra tried to keep her comfortable. She glanced down at the most recent letter from Halvar. Tears welled up and dropped onto the page smearing the words written there.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Almost there, Revna." Thyra smiled. "This babe is moving quickly. Must be ready for a new adventure like their mother."


    Revna watched as snow flurries fell beyond the window. It was early spring and still quite cold. The warmth of the fire kept the home nice and toasty. Revna paced between contractions the letter still tightly in her hand.


    "Revna... why don''t we let go of the letter for now?" Thyra tried. "It''s no use to you or the baby to keep dwelling on it. Halvar will come if he wants to. He will come when he is ready."


    "I don''t want him to," she said sharply taking a deep breath. "I revoke the offer. I don''t want him anywhere near here." She glanced at the letter and began to tear it apart. "I can raise this child myself. I don''t need his help. I don''t want his help."


    "Revna, you are saying a lot of things right now that you may not mean." Thyra tried.


    She turned with tears steaming down her cheeks. "I wish he was here, Thyra. But he''s not. And he made it very clear that wants nothing to do with us. He made his choice."


    "Choices can change," she tried.


    "Halvar doesn''t," she winced as her body began to bear down. She tried to breathe through the pain, her breath coming in short. "He made it clear that his duty is to the fucking temple."


    A knock caught Thyra''s attention and she rushed over cracking the door just enough to poke her head out. "Well, Halvar changed this time." As she turned her attention back to her friend. "He''s at the tavern in town. You have a choice, Revna."


    Revna shook her head, "Send him away." She had tears streaming down her cheeks. "I don''t want him anywhere near..." She groaned and the last words fell.


    Thyra rushed back to her friend''s side. "Revna, reconsider?" The woman shook her head as she took her friend''s hand in hers gripping tightly. "Once the baby is born, I will have Rune send him away." Revna nodded in agreement.


    ...


    Halvar sat at the small town tavern. The town was so small they barely had need for it. He glanced down the road toward the large property at the edge of the village. He could see smoke rising from its chimney. He shook his head as he placed his coin on the table and stood to leave.


    Rune spotted the white cloak leaving the tavern and jogged to catch up to him. "Halvar!" The man turned his eyes heavy and face disheveled. "My friend!" Rune clapped his hands over Halvar''s shoulders. "You have a daughter! Please come, If not for Revna, for the child, for you." Halvar''s shoulders sagged. "I know that you may not like the situation now my friend, but you will regret not taking this chance someday."


    "She doesn''t want me here Rune," he stated. "I will not cross Revna."


    "She was in pain," he argued, "she did not mean it."


    "We both know that is not true. She meant what she said." He glanced over Rune''s shoulder toward the manor in the distance. "Please, raise my daughter well. She needs to be with those that can love her."


    Rune furrowed his brow, "My friend, what do you mean by that?"


    Halvar didn''t answer he just turned and made his way back toward the main road.


    ...


    Halvar gazed at the picture in his hands. The birth announcement arrived just a day after he made it back to Mellanberg and he hadn''t been able to think straight since. He was a father to a healthy baby girl. Rune had said in the letter that the child had his eyes. His rainbow geode eyes. He ran his thumbed over the picture again. He took a breath and placed the picture back in the journal along with Rune''s letter. He hadn''t heard from Revna in months. The only news he received was from Rune. The child was named Iskra, after his mother.


    A year later he received another letter and a picture of the child he had never met. He smiled warmly as he gazed at the painting. Based on Rune''s letter, the child was strong and walking well before her first birthday. She was happy, safe, and loved.

 Iskra

    Iskra sat at the dining table with her wooden dolls playing quietly as Thyra and Rune finished making dinner. Fell was helping his mother by cleaning leaving the small girl to play with her dolls alone.


    She was contently playing when a voice from the hall caught her attention. "S?ta?"


    Iskra turned quickly at her mother''s voice. She shimmied off the chair and ran out of the dining room toward the front door. Her smile grew when she saw her mother setting her rune covered shield to the side.


    "Mama!" She exclaimed.


    Revna knelt to her daughter''s level and lifted her into her arms. "You''ve gotten so big!" She smiled warmly. "What are they feeding you?"


    Iskra nuzzled into her mother and wrapped her arms around her neck, "I missed you, Mama."


    Revna kissed the child''s forehead, "I missed you too."


    "Look who finally came home," Rune sighed as he joined the two in the hall. "Thought you were supposed to be back days ago. I was about to send out a search party." He chuckled as the woman rolled her eyes.


    Revna sighed, "The weather got the best of us. We were stuck in Kauhea for an extra week with the cleanup."


    Rune raised an eyebrow but didn''t press, "Dinner''s ready."


    "Perfect timing then," she went to set the child down, but the girl clung tightly. "Iskra?"


    "Don''t leave..." the girl muttered.


    She sighed, "I''m not leaving, yet. I just got home." She took a few steps into the dining room and placed the child in her seat. Tears began to build in Iskra''s eyes. "Oh, s?ta...Everything is going to be alright." She glanced at the food. "Let''s eat."


    Iskra wiped away the tears that had begun to fall and began to eat quietly. She listened to the adults not quite understanding what they were discussing.


    "A dragon in Kauhea?" Thyra asked in shock. "No wonder you were stuck for an extra week. Iskra was fine, but she misses you when you are gone for so long."


    "She needs her mother," Rune added getting a sharp glance from his wife.


    Revna sighed, "She needs a roof over her head, and food too. Last time I checked, a job as a barmaid doesn''t exactly cover the upkeep of this house let alone a child."


    "Join the city guard then," he tried.


    Revna laughed, "The city guard? Me?"


    Rune closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, "What is wrong with the city guard?" Revna didn''t answer. "What''s the real reason you don''t stay, Revna?"


    "Rune!" Thyra hissed glancing between the children and Revna. "Not now."


    "Why not?" He pressed. "She knows that she could easily be a high ranking official in the city guard if she wanted to stay. There''s something else, and I am tired of the excuses. Maybe he was right!" Revna set her fork down and stood from the table. Thyra glared at her husband.


    Revna glanced at the children, "Fell, can you take Iskra to her room?"


    Iskra frowned as the boy took her hand in his and began to lead her down the hall. She pulled back slightly slowing them down. But the voices from the other room had gone quiet.


    "Wanna play hide ''n'' seek?" Fell asked. Iskra nodded. "OK we need rules this time, my mama was really mad when you hid in the stock room last time." He thought for a moment. "Ok no hiding in dining room, my room, or the stock room. I''ll count first."


    As he began counting, Iskra quickly made her way out of the room and back down the hall toward the dining room. She knew that she wasn''t allowed to hide in the dining room, but there was a large plant just outside the dining room door that Iskra knew she could hide behind.


    She couldn''t make out the words they were saying but she could tell that both her mother and Rune were very angry. She didn''t like hearing them like this. She knew her time was up for hiding and she couldn''t think of anywhere else to hide so she quickly hid behind the large plant.


    The door to the dining room swung open as Rune stormed by. Iskra glanced into the room as the door was closing to see her mother with her back to the door, her shoulders were shaking. Thyra had stepped up to the woman and was obviously trying to console her when her eyes landed on the child outside the room.


    Iskra felt those watchful eyes hit hers and she slunk back behind the plant. She covered her eyes with her hands and slid up against the wall. Suddenly, a soft hand was on her shoulder. She glanced up to see Thyra gazing down at her.


    "Let''s go get ready for bed, lille venn." She lifted the child into her arms and walked back down the hall. "You know your Mama loves you very much, right?" Iskra nodded. "Good."


    Fell was still searching for Iskra in her room when they came in. "I promise I told her not to hide in the dining room," he started when he saw the look on his mother''s face.


    "She wasn''t in the dining room," she stated. "You have to be very specific with this one. Fell, go get ready for bed."


    He left the room quickly his head down. Thyra set Iskra on the bed and rummaged through the drawers for her nightgown. She seemed to be taking extra time searching for the clothes. Iskra smiled as Revna stepped into the room. Thyra jumped as Revna took the nightgown from the woman and she quickly took her leave wiping her cheek with her hand.


    "S?ta," Revna started, "I''m going to tell you a story." She helped Iskra into her nightgown and tucked her into bed, Revna curled up next to her. "My mama used to tell me this story when I was little. Once upon a time there was..."


    Iskra curled into her mother''s side as the woman recited the story from memory. She felt her eyelids grow heavy and the sleep slowly take over.


    ...


    Iskra peaked into the room. Her mother''s form lay nearly motionless on the bed before her. She turned hearing a soft knocking from down the hall. When she glanced back into the room, she was face to face with Thyra. The woman stepped into the hall, taking Iskra in her arms and began walking back down toward the spare room.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Not yet, Iskra." She sighed. "Your mother needs time to rest, she''ll be ready to play and all in a few days."


    "But..." she started and Thyra shook her head. "I just want to say hi. I miss her. She''s been gone forever."


    Thyra set the child on the bed and began to leave. "She''ll be ready to see you in a few days," she said pausing at the door.


    Iskra frowned as she fell into the bed. She grabbed the blanket and pulled it up over her head as the tears began to form. Her thoughts jumped to a few days earlier when the elven man stumbled through the front door with her mother in his arms. Her skin was so pale, and his cloak and leathers were covered in dark stains. It wasn''t the first time she had seen her mother in this state, and it probably wouldn''t be the last. It had been almost a week since she was brought home. She never needed this much time before.


    The elven man had stayed for a few days as well. He seemed to have been nice, but Rune and Thyra kept him and Iskra separated as much as possible. Though there was the one day when the man was sitting in the dining room with Iskra for quite some time before Thyra shooed her away.


    ... about three days earlier


    "Hello little one," the man had smiled sweetly. "What''s your name?"


    "Thyra told me not to talk with strangers..." a look of momentary shock slipped onto the man''s face. "My name is Iskra."


    The man smiled again, "Oh you must be Revna''s daughter. You know your Mama is very strong. She''s the strongest person I have ever met."


    A sudden huff caught their attention just before Thyra pulled the girl into her arms and stormed out of the room. "What have I told you about..."


    "But he''s not a stranger if he is staying here for so long," she argued. "Rune hugged him yesterday so he must be friends with Rune. And..." she stopped herself realizing that she wasn''t supposed to be near the adults the last few days.


    Thyra sighed deeply, "You know you are supposed to stay in your room."


    "Mama is in my room," she said.


    "You knew what I meant..." she set the child on the large empty bed. "You are supposed to stay with Rune and me for now. When Ari leaves you''ll get..." she paused hoping the child didn''t catch the man''s name. "You''ll get to go into the spare room until your mother is all rested in the next few days." Iskra pouted as Thyra turned to leave. "None of that now. Go get ready to leave. Fell and Rune are taking you into Ijos when they run errands."


    Iskra grumbled as she put on her cloak and boots. She still had trouble tying the laces, so she decided to go find someone to help her. She was in the hall when she heard them arguing.


    "I''m sorry Thyra, I didn''t realize she was Revna''s...I wouldn''t have..."


    "Ari, Revna has told us to keep this child separated from all the adventuring as much as possible." There was a pause. "She wants her to have a normal childhood. Or as much of one as she can."


    "Like I said, I didn''t realize the child was Revna''s until I was already talking to her. I am sorry."


    "Iskra!" Rune''s voice caught her attention and she stumbled down the hall trying not to trip over her laces. "Lille venn? You didn''t tie your boots?"


    "I need help," she stated.


    "Here we go," he smiled warmly as he tied the boots. "Fell is waiting for us by the door."


    "Do I get to ride Gisli?" she asked a smile spreading as he nodded.


    ... a few days later


    A light knock on the door caught her attention and she burrowed deeper into the blankets. She felt the bed dip at the edge and she tried to slide further away but failed as strong arms lifted her off the bed.


    "Lille venn," Rune sighed as he kissed her forehead. "Come now. I have a surprise for you." He set her on the ground beside him and held out his hand.


    She furrowed her brow as she took his outstretched hand. "Are we going to go see Mama?"


    He shook his head, "Thyra is right. Your Mama needs rest right now." She froze. "But I have something that might cheer you up. You need to get your shoes and your cloak."


    Iskra did as she was told and followed Rune outside. She noticed that Fell was climbing a nearby tree. Rune stepped up to the tree his son was in and glanced up. Iskra followed close behind, and when she looked up, she saw a small kitten hiding in the barren branches.


    "Is the kitten ok?" She asked.


    Fell nodded, "She doesn''t seem to want to come down."


    "Careful now," Rune reminded the boy.


    Fell was able to grab the kitten and climb back down without falling. He handed the kitten over to his father. Rune looked the kitten over and then held it out to Iskra. She reached up and took it from him carefully.


    "Now, Iskra...this kitten is no more than a few weeks old." He stated. "You will have to feed it and keep it warm. Fell will help you take care of it, but this kitten is your responsibility now."


    "What do I feed it?" She asked.


    "Milk from the goats," Fell said. "We should go get some. But first let''s get the kitten inside." Iskra nodded and followed the older boy back into the house. Rune smiled as he watched them go.


    Iskra went straight to the spare room and set the kitten in a pile of blankets. She smiled slightly as the kitten curled up into the warmth. Fell pulled at her cloak and she remembered that they needed to get more milk for the kitten. She followed the boy to the barn and sat in front of the goat he was milking.


    "Rona," Iskra started talking to the small goat, "we found a kitten."


    "I found a kitten," Fell corrected her.


    "Fell found a kitten," she sighed. "It was stuck in a tree! I bet it was scared being so high like that." She proceeded to give the goat scritches. "Fell saved it. I wonder if it is a boy or a girl kitten? We have to think of a name for it. What do you think we should call it?" The goat bleated in response.


    "You know it can''t understand you," Fell sighed.


    The girl repeated her question in primordial and he shook his head with a chuckle, "It doesn''t understand our languages."


    "But I''ve seen Rune talk with the goats before," she stated.


    "That''s because Papa can speak to animals," he explained. "His magic allows him to speak to animals, but only for a short while."


    Iskra sat back against the stall wall, "I want to be able to speak to animals."


    "Maybe Papa will teach you some day," he smiled as he picked up the bucket of fresh milk. "Let''s get back inside and feed the kitten."


    As they walked back inside, Iskra glanced down the hall toward her and her mother''s room. Thyra was stepping out of the room, a grim expression on her face. Her features quickly changed when she saw the children in the hall.


    "I heard you found a kitten!" She exclaimed excitedly. "Let me take a look and make sure she or he is healthy." She took Iskra''s hand in hers and led the way back to the spare room.


    The kitten was curled up in the warmth of the blankets. The speckles of silver fur standing out against the dark fabric. Thyra lifted the kitten into her hands and examined it quickly before setting it in Iskra''s lap.


    "Looks like she is as healthy as she can be, just a little on the cold and hungry side." She smiled. "I see you have milk and warm blankets for her, she should be thriving in no time." The kitten snuggled in closer to the child. "Fell, please come with me."


    The boy nodded and followed his mother out of the room leaving Iskra and the kitten behind. The girl lifted the kitten to examine it herself. Her black fur was peppered with silvery spots. She had icy blue eyes that blinked back at Iskra.


    "You''re pretty cute," she smiled as she turned her hand slightly. The kitten kept its eyes locked onto hers. "Did your mama get hurt too? It''s ok, I''ll keep you safe and warm. Fell, Rune, and Thyra are nice. They will take care of you too. Rune says that its my responsibility, but I''m only six. I don''t know what a kitten needs." She pulled the kitten in closer with a smile. "But you probably need lots of cuddles and I can definitely do that." She snuggled close and the kitten purred. "I think I''ll name you Aska."


    Aska''s purr became louder as she snuggled up onto Iskra''s shoulder and into her curls. The little girl giggled and pulled the kitten out of her hair.

 The Icy Plunge

    The cold air whipped across Iskra''s face as she followed her mother through the trees. They were checking the traps that they had set the night before. Her mother usually did this on her own but had said that it was time for Iskra to learn how to help out around the house.


    "Come now," Revna sighed as she stopped again waiting for her small daughter to catch up. "There is another trap just ahead." She turned slightly to see the child jogging to keep up.


    "Mama," she took in a shaky breath, "you walk so fast I can''t keep up."


    Revna knelt to her daughter''s level, "I just have longer legs. You''ll be able to keep up soon."


    Iskra took in a deep breath and then continued forward toward the trap ahead. They had passed three traps that had yet to go off, and by the looks of it this one hadn''t gone off yet either. Revna examined the trap carefully as Iskra knelt beside her.


    "See these tracks here?" Revna pointed to some larger tracks along the melting snow. "These are wolf tracks. Looks like our dinner got snatched up."


    Iskra shivered, "Does that mean the wolves will come snatch us up?"


    Revna laughed, "You have no need to be worried about wolves. I''ll protect you." Revna glanced toward the path and then back in the direction they came. "We should probably head back though. I doubt any of the other traps secured anything if these three failed."


    The two began to head back toward the house. Revna seemed to be leading them a different way home than the way they came. They came up to a large clearing. Revna seemed to be walking a very specific path. Iskra deviated, enjoying the soft crunch of fresh snow beneath her feet. Her mother was almost into the tree line when a soft cracking noise caught the young girl''s attention.


    Suddenly, the snow beneath her gave way and she slipped into icy cold water below. She felt a pulling sensation as her clothes filled with the water and she began to sink quickly. Sharp pain shot through her tiny frame as the icy cold hit her skin. The water was dark the only point of light coming from where she had just fallen through. She flapped her arms and kicked her legs trying to get closer to the light, but her body sank deeper and deeper. Her lungs ached and her vision began to dim. A shadow shrouded the light from above and her vision went black.


    "Iskra!" Revna cried as the girl jolted forward emptying her lungs of the icy water. "Thank the gods..." The girl shivered against her mother''s equally drenched clothing. "Thyra will be able to get us all nice and warm again. Let''s get home."


    Thyra and Rune were sitting by the hearth when Revna opened the door. They didn''t even glance up, expecting Revna and Iskra to come join them. When Revna came into the room holding a nearly blue child Thyra jumped from her seat.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    "Rune get more blankets!" She ordered. "We need to get these wet clothes off of both of you. You get your clothes, I will get Iskra''s." The women began to work quickly.


    Once Revna was dressed in new clothing, she was at Iskra''s side. "She fell through the ice over the pond."


    Thyra nodded as she continued rubbing warm blankets over the child. "It''s a miracle she''s not dead." She gave her friend a stern look. "You saved her life."


    "She shouldn''t have been out with me in the first place," Revna stated. "She''s too young."


    Thyra rolled her eyes, "Fell was younger when Rune took him hunting for the first time. She needs to learn." She let out a relieved sigh as the girl shifted slightly. "She won''t forget today anytime soon."


    Rune ran back into the room with a stack of blankets. He rushed over and placed them at Thyra''s side. She tossed one to Revna and pointed to the chair closest to the fire. As Revna sat the other woman lifted the child into her arms and placed her on her mother''s lap, then covered them both with a few blankets.


    "You''ll be warm in no time," Thyra smiled softly.


    Color slowly returned to Iskra''s face as she warmed by the fire. She opened her eyes slowly to see her mother gazing out the window with tears on her cheeks.


    "Mama?" She muttered, reaching her hand up to wipe the tears away.


    Revna jumped slightly and quickly turned her frown into a warm smile, "S?ta." She let out a sigh of relief. "You had me worried." The girl snuggled closer. "I told you to stay close." The girl sniffled as she pulled the blanket up to cover her face. "Iskra, it is very important that you follow me exactly whenever we are away from the house. You could have..." She stopped, noticing the soft sobs escaping from under the blanket. "Oh, s?ta...I''m sorry. I was just so very worried about you today."


    "I''m sorry," she whimpered. "I just like the sound the snow makes."


    Revna''s eyes locked onto Iskra''s, her mind obviously elsewhere at the comment. Tears filled her eyes, and she took a deep breath, settling herself once more. "Snow does make a beautiful sound, doesn''t it?"


    ...


    A loud thump caught her attention. She rolled over opening her eyes to see her mother closing the door to their room. Her armor had already been doffed, in favor of her nightclothes. Iskra smiled warmly as her mother leaned down and kissed her forehead.


    "Happy birthday, s?ta." Revna sighed. "I told you I''d make it home in time for your birthday." She ruffled the girl''s loose curls as she slid into bed next to her. "Rune told me you were starting to get worried."


    "Rune said he wouldn''t tell..." she frowned and pulled the covers over her face.


    Revna chuckled, "Rune and Thyra don''t keep secrets." She rolled over to face her daughter. "Iskra, you never have to worry about me." Iskra glanced away from her mother. "S?ta? What has you so worried about me?"


    The girl took a deep breath, "I had a dream that you got eaten by a dragon. Mama, it was so scary. And then you never came home. What if you got eaten by a dragon in real life?"


    She took a deep breath and lifted the child''s chin, "You don''t have to worry about me, Iskra. If for any reason I don''t come home...I''ll still be with you. Right here." She placed her hand over her daughter''s heart. "I''ll always be with you."


    "But you won''t really be here," she sighed. "Who will take care of me? What if I fall in the lake again?"


    "I think Rune and Thyra have everything covered on that front," Revna pulled her daughter in close, "and you know better than to play by the lake." She kissed the top of her daughter''s head. "Now I think it is time to sleep. We can talk more in the morning."

 Introducing Opal

    The city was bustling with the sun out and the slightly warmer weather. It was the first time Iskra had left Ijos. She smiled as they passed by a group of children her own age. She was about to introduce herself to one of the other girls, but Rune pulled her back toward Gisli.


    "I need to you to watch Gisli for a moment while Fell and I speak to the merchant over there," he stated.


    She nodded in understanding and took hold of Gisli''s lead. She watched as Fell and Rune went up to the nearest merchant and began bartering and trading for supplies. Gisli turned her snout up and sniffed the air, her mouth was watering.


    "You smell something?" Iskra asked the bear. "I didn''t think you needed to eat..."


    "All bears need to eat," a young girl sighed as she slid down from a nearby cart. "My papa makes the best meat pies in all of Kauhea. We have a nice fish pie today, that''s probably what your bear is smelling." She stepped closer and Iskra stepped back into Gisli. "My name is Siri. Siri Mistguard." Iskra did not respond. "You travel with Rune Leifr and his son, you must be part of the Mathieson household." Siri had rose gold hair and sea green eyes. Her ears came to a slight point.


    Iskra''s eyes widened slightly, "My name is Iskra."


    "Well Iskra," the girl glanced back at the cart. "Care to buy any meat pies? Fell usually gets one for Gisli when his father isn''t looking."


    Iskra nodded as she stepped up to the cart, "How much?"


    "For Gisli?" The girl placed her hand on her chin as she thought a moment. "One Silver."


    Iskra nodded and handed the girl a silver. The girl smiled as she pocketed the money and then shuffled around the cart. Within just a few moments she was handing Iskra a large meat pie. Iskra grimaced at the strong smell of fish as Gisli nudged her back with a low huff.


    "Here you go," Iskra sighed as she turned to give the meat pie. Within seconds it was gone.


    Siri chuckled, "She''s pretty quick about it. Especially when they are fish pies." She glanced down the street to see Rune and Fell still deep in conversation with the other merchant. "So, when did you start working for the Mathieson''s?"


    Iskra furrowed her brow, "What do you mean?"


    "My father has been trying to convince Rune to let me work for the Mathieson''s for years," she sighed. "Revna is a legend! Having a name like that to back you up can get you places. They say she has a daughter, but no one here has seen her before." Siri sighed. "You don''t know how good you''ve got it! Spend a few years working for Revna and you could get a job working for literally anyone here in Kauhea."


    "Why''s that?" Iskra asked cautiously.


    Siri eyed the girl, "Where are you from?"


    "Ijos," she stated.


    She furrowed her brow, "Ijos...just think, in a few years when your contract is up you could get a home here in Kauhea just because you worked for the Mathieson''s."


    "I didn''t realize..." Iskra started.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Siri''s eyes widened in recognition and her voice dropped to a whisper. "You don''t work for the Mathieson''s. You are a Mathieson!" Iskra nodded. "Oh this is amazing! Are you Revna''s daughter?"


    "Siri!" Fell''s voice caught the girl''s attention. "Do you have any fish pies for Gisli?"


    She shook her head, "Sold our last one to your friend here."


    Fell glanced between Iskra and Siri, "You gave her the Gisli discount right?"


    "Of course," Siri crooned. Fell''s eyes narrowed. "What?"


    Fell shook his head and waved a hand in defeat. "Come on Iskra..."


    Before she could follow, Siri pulled Iskra back. "You know, I would keep that piece to yourself if I were you. Best not to be known as Revna''s daughter. It could get you far in a lot of circles, or bring just as much trouble in others."


    "Noted," Iskra stated as she stepped away.


    Rune was finishing up a few deals as Fell and Iskra approached. He smiled at the two and then nodded toward the inn. Iskra glanced back to see Siri watching them as they headed down the street. She didn''t take her eyes off them until they turned the corner.


    The tavern was bustling by the time they made it in. Just in time for the dinner rush the barkeep had said. Iskra and Fell made their way to a table while Rune set Gisli up in the stables for the night. When he made it to the table he gave a big smile.


    "So this is Kauhea!" He smiled. "So much bigger than Ijos, isn''t it?" Iskra nodded as she took a drink of water.


    Fell glanced between his father and Iskra before speaking. "Iskra met Siri today," he stated.


    Rune''s smile fell, "Oh the Mistguard''s." He rubbed his temples. "They love spreading stories."


    "What kind of stories?" Iskra asked quickly.


    Rune and Fell made eye contact briefly before Rune continued. "They have some outlandish stories about your mother''s adventures."


    "More than I''ve got..." she huffed. "Even in the most outlandish stories there is usually a kernel of truth."


    Fell rolled his eyes and Rune sighed, "Not in these stories." The three fell silent once their dinner arrived.


    Iskra spent the night staring at the inn ceiling listening to the snores of Fell and Rune from the floor. She had tried to give them the bed to sleep in, but they had insisted in her taking the bed for the night. She tossed and turned as she thought about Siri''s warning.


    The next morning came much too quickly. They had to leave by lunch to make it to their first camp before nightfall. Rune still had a few tasks that he needed to accomplish in town, so he left before Fell and Iskra were even out of bed.


    When Iskra woke up, Fell was still sound asleep. She quickly dressed for the day and packed her belongings and headed out into the streets of Kauhea. She was able to find the Mistguard''s cart quickly and was happy to see Siri already out and working.


    "Ahh you see we are still out of fish pies," she started as Iskra approached.


    "I''m actually here because I was told you might know some stories of Revna Mathieson," she stated.


    Siri smiled and patted a spot on the cart, "Come sit! I''ll tell you a story or two."


    A few hours passed before Rune and Fell finally found Iskra sitting with Siri at her family cart. They were chatting and laughing. Rune frowned when he saw the two. Once Iskra caught his gaze she quickly stood and took her leave.


    Fell and Rune were quiet as they made their way out of town. Once the town gates were out of view, Rune turned toward Iskra sitting atop Gisli.


    "Whatever stories she told you, they aren''t true." He stated. "Not even a kernel. Iskra..."


    "Opal," she corrected. "I want to be called Opal when we are out of the house."


    ...


    Aska''s paws kneaded into Opal''s shoulder as they sat quietly in the hall. Thyra and Rune were talking in the room beyond and Fell was fast asleep in the room across the hall. She could barely make out the conversation.


    "The stories in Kauhea are outlandish," Rune sighed. "They say she fought a dragon single handedly. Maybe a youngling, but even that is a bit much for Revna. Iskra...Opal heard many of those farfetched tales today. But I doubt she would believe them."


    "Opal?" Thyra questioned.


    "She doesn''t want to be known as just Revna''s daughter," he stated. "Not that many people know Revna has a child, but I will respect Opal''s wishes."


    Thyra sighed, "That child will never be ''just Revna''s daughter'', Rune." Opal pressed her ear up to the door as Thyra''s voice got much quieter.


    The remainder of the conversation went unheard by the young girl as Aska decided to make as much noise as possible as she took off in a sprint away from Opal. When the cat reached the end of the hall it turned and hissed.

 Family

    Iskra rolled over trying not to steal the precious blankets from her sleeping mother. She was having trouble sleeping. She heard every little sound in the small room, Aska''s purrs from the foot of the bed, her mother''s soft and steady breaths, the rain hitting the window. The moonlight seemed so bright as she rolled again, this time a loud huff from her mother caught her attention.


    "Iskra," the woman groaned. "Go to sleep."


    The girl closed her eyes tightly and tried but failed. She turned over again getting another huff from her mother.


    "S?ta?" Revna asked as she rolled over to face her daughter. "What is keeping you up? You''ve been tossing and turning for hours." When the girl offered no response, she perched herself on her elbow and gazed down at the girl. "What is bothering you?"


    "Why don''t you tell me anything about your adventures?" She questioned. "In Kauhea, they say you fought a dragon! That''s amazing! I want to know more. Please, mother. I think I''m old enough to know more."


    "Rune did mention that you had talked with the Mistguard girl..." she sighed, Iskra could feel her mother''s frustration building. "My adventures are just a means to an end. Nothing more."


    "To what end though?" Iskra sat up quickly.


    "Iskra..." Revna started as the girl jumped from the bed.


    "Rune is right when he says that you could easily be a high ranking official in the town guard," Iskra paced in the dark room her mother sitting in the bed. "Money isn''t the reason. Is it to get away? Would being in the towns guard keep you too close to home for your liking? Is it me? Am I..."


    "Iskra! Enough!" Revna stood taller than Iskra had seen before. Her form hulking in the dark room. She slowly returned to her normal size, she took a step forward and rested her hand on her daughter''s shoulder. "I love you, more than life itself. I also do love adventure. One day you might understand what that call feels like. I do not leave because of you. Never think that. Never." She pulled Iskra''s chin up so their eyes met. She rubbed her thumb across the girl''s cheek. "Do you understand, s?ta?"


    Iskra nodded slowly, "I''m sorry mother."


    "I''m sorry too," she said softly. "I never meant to hurt you." She pulled her daughter into her arms and hugged her tight. "Was that all that was bothering you?" The girl shrugged. "Iskra?"


    "I don''t know," she muttered not moving from her mother''s embrace her arms slack at her sides. "I just wish I knew more."


    "About my adventures? They really are not grand as the Mistguard girl claims they are. I promise that." Revna held her daughter out at arm''s length.


    "I wish I knew more about me," Iskra sighed and Revna froze. "Fell told me not to bother asking anyone. But I can''t stop thinking about it."


    She was obviously trying to think of a way to avoid the conversation all together but had already hesitated too much. "S?ta...I didn''t realize that it was bothering you this much." She finally settled on reacting to her daughter''s feelings and not answering the question at hand. "When you are old enough, I promise I will tell you everything you need to know." Iskra pouted and folded her arms over her chest. "Right now, know that you are loved."


    "Yes mother," she sighed as she began walking over to the chair on the other side of the room. "I think I''m going to go sleep in the other room." Aska stretched out before hopping off the bed and following behind the young girl.


    Revna watched her daughter trudge across the hall and into the next room. Once the door closed she stood and listened at the door as the girl began talking to the cat. The girl was speaking primordial and Revna could only really make out every few words. She felt the tears building as she made her way back to their bedroom. She dug through her pack reaching the journal she kept hidden from the girl. When she opened it the angry tears began falling freely as she gazed at the letters from Halvar. She wanted to tear the book apart, but she couldn''t bring her hands to move. She stuffed the book back in her pack and went back to bed.


    The next morning came quickly, Revna found herself awake before Iskra and Fell, as usual. She peaked her head into the room across the hall to see her daughter fast asleep, and the cat curled up near her head. Revna closed the door behind her and made her way down the hall into the living quarters where Rune and Thyra were already up and about.


    "Are those bags under your eyes?" Rune asked with a chuckle causing Thyra to turn from her work quickly.


    "Revna, you need your sleep." She stated glancing at the slight swell of the woman''s abdomen. "Were you feeling sick? Do I need to fetch the cleric?"


    Revna shook her head, "No need to worry." She sighed. "Has Iskra been asking questions lately?"


    Rune and Thyra gave each other a look before going back to their work, "We haven''t told her anything, as requested." Thyra stated. "But yes, she has been very inquisitive as of late. Asking how we met, who her father is, why is she an earth genasi? Not exactly in those words...but..."


    "Very valid questions for a thirteen almost fourteen year old to be asking," Rune added. "She needs some kind of answers. She is getting very fed up with ours."


    Revna thought for a moment, "We met after I rescued Fell from a band of wolves when he was young. If she asks why Rune couldn''t do it himself, I was the one that found Fell first. We mention nothing of Halvar. Including anything that relates to him. I didn''t know her father. Genasi can be descendent from a dormant bloodline. She could be reincarnated." Rune frowned as she continued. "What?"This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "You want us to lie to her?" He asked as he placed the plate on the counter.


    She nodded, "It''s nothing more than what you have already been doing."


    "It is asking way more..." Rune started.


    "We''ll do it," Thyra sighed heavily as she interrupted her husband. "For Iskra''s safety...We''ll do it." Rune''s look turned to shock as he glanced between his wife and their friend. "It is what is right. It will keep Iskra safe."


    ...


    Iskra ran through the house quickly. She had to wake Thyra and then she knew she had to run into town to get the midwife. She had her boots on but they were untied, her cloak on her shoulders and clasped around her neck over her simple nightgown, her curls tucked into a quick braid. She barged into Rune and Thyra''s room completely out of breath. They jumped at the sound of the door.


    "Iskra?" Thyra''s voice was sharp.


    "The...baby..." her voice was ragged from running across the house.


    Thyra jumped from the bed grabbing the robes from her wardrobe. "You know what to do," she stated. "The midwife lives in the house by the clocktower." Iskra nodded as she quickly tied her boots. "Don''t forget your shield."


    "And take this," Rune handed her a mace. "You shouldn''t need it."


    Iskra''s face paled as she took the mace from his hands. "I''ll be right back." She stated as she turned toward the door and began her run through the cold night.


    The night was dark as it was a new moon. Iskra cast light on her shield to help her ability to see the trail before her. It was still early autumn, but the weather had already cooled significantly and patches of ice made the route slippery. Their home was about a mile outside of Ijos proper, and the midwife was on the other side of town. Iskra knew the trail that was fastest and safest for this time of night.


    She was so focused on the trail that she didn''t hear the wolf coming up behind her. It lunged forward, barely missing her legs. She turned to face it her shield at the ready. She swung the mace, striking the wolf across its snout. She took a step back and the wolf lunged again, this time biting her arm. She swung the mace and it struck yet again. This time the wolf let out a soft whimper as it crashed to the ground.


    Iskra glanced at her bleeding arm, then at her surroundings. She dropped her shield momentarily as she healed herself and watched as the wounds closed leaving bite marks and blood splatter across her arm. As she entered town, she passed by a few city guard that stopped momentarily watching her as she ran through, but didn''t ask if she needed anything. She made it to the midwife''s home and began to bang on the door persistently.


    "Oy! I''m coming! No need to be so loud, you''ll wake the entire neighborhood." The woman''s voice was gruff. "Oh, it''s you..." she sighed as she opened the door. Iskra was completely out of breath. "I''m guessing you came on behalf of your mother?" She nodded. "Let''s get a move on then, don''t want to miss anything."


    "Thank you," she finally got out.


    The way back to the Mathieson property was uneventful and quick. Iskra barged through the door to see her mother and Thyra walking up and down the hall. Her mother glanced up and her face paled at the sight of her daughter.


    "Iskra, you are covered in blood..." She waddled forward and took her daughter''s hands in hers. "Are you ok, s?ta?"


    "Mother, I''m fine." She smiled. "I promise." Revna turned over the girl''s arms revealing the bite marks. Iskra quickly took her arms out of her mother''s grasp. "It was just a small wolf. Nothing too dangerous." Revna''s worry was evident on her face.


    "I thought Fell was going to get the midwife?" She stated. "That was the plan, wasn''t it?"


    Thyra glanced at the girl, "Iskra is more than capable of handling herself. Rune thought that this would be an excellent task for her training."


    Revna took in a sharp breath and reached for Thyra''s outstretched arms. "I think I am done walking the halls for now." She said eventually. The midwife followed Thyra and Revna back down the hall to the bedroom.


    Fell chuckled as he stepped up beside Iskra, "You definitely know how to scare the shit out of your mother."


    "How was I supposed to know they were walking the halls?" She threw her hands up. "Can you please help get rid of all this?" She gestured to the blood splatter on her nightgown and he nodded. A quick wave of the hands and the blood began to disappear.


    Thyra came up to the two a moment later, "Your mother insisted that I check on you. Are you injured? She said she saw bite marks..."


    "I am fine," she replied. "Mother needs your assistance more than I do." Thyra nodded but took the girl''s arms and began to examine the marks. "I promise, I am fine." She pulled her arms back but the woman''s grip was stronger.


    "You didn''t fully heal," she sighed. "Let me at least patch these up before they start bleeding again." Thyra led her to the table and forced her into the chair.


    "Please tell me your mother didn''t see those?" Rune asked as he stepped into the room.


    Thyra sighed, "Her arm was covered in blood when she walked in."


    He sighed, "Did Revna see?" Thyra nodded. "Well, there goes training for the next few months..." He glanced at Iskra. "What did you run into?"


    "A wolf," she sighed. "It wasn''t even that big. Ouch!" She pulled her arm away from Thyra and rubbed it gently. "What was that?"


    "Just trying to clean it," she replied. "It''s all clean and bandaged. I should go see to your mother." Fell, Rune, and Iskra all nodded in understanding.


    Fell sat next to Iskra at the table while Rune paced the room. Thyra was in the bedroom with Revna and the midwife. The three had been waiting in the dining room for hours at this point with no news or sound from the bedroom.


    Rune''s pacing stopped suddenly when his wife stepped out of the room a small smile on her face, "Is everyone ok?" He asked and she nodded.


    "Revna and the babies are perfectly healthy," she smiled as three sets of eyes widened. "Iskra, you have twin sisters, would you like to meet them?"


    She nodded hesitantly and followed the woman back into the room. As she stepped into the room her mother looked up from the bundles in her arms. She looked exhausted, but strong. Iskra stepped up to the bed and glanced into the bundles in her mother''s arms. The babies were fast asleep.


    "This is Freya, and this is Ingrid," Revna smiled warmly and nodded toward the edge of the bed.


    Iskra took a seat, and her mother handed her one of the bundles. The infant squirmed as Iskra adjusted her hold. She gazed down at the bundle and couldn''t help but feel a little uneasy.


    "Isn''t she beautiful?" Thyra smiled from the doorway.


    Iskra raised an eyebrow, "She looks like a goblin."


    Revna chuckled as Thyra gaped, "That''s what I said." Revna''s smile grew. "They''ll look a little more human in a few days. You were pretty goblin like too when you were born." Iskra shifted uncomfortably as the baby in her arms began to move. "Just stay calm and relaxed, they can sense fear."


    "Really?" She asked and her mother chuckled shaking her head. The baby''s chin began to quiver as she fought against the swaddle. "I don''t think she likes me." Iskra tried to hand the baby back.


    "She just doesn''t know you yet," she reassured her. "Give it a little bit of time, they''ll be all over you soon enough." She took the bundle back into her arms as Iskra stood taking a step away from the bed.


    "I should let you rest," she stated as she turned to leave.


    "Iskra," she stopped at her mother''s voice. "You were very brave today. I am proud of you."


    She nodded quickly and left the room. She felt her shoulder beginning to shake as the tears slipped down her cheeks. She didn''t understand why she was crying.

 Goodbyes

    "Mama," Ingrid and Freya had tears streaming down their cheeks as they watched their mother step onto the snowy grounds. "Mama, please don''t leave!" They called after her but she didn''t even turn. Iskra knelt between them and lifted them into her arms turning them away from their mother just as she glanced back at the house with tears in her eyes. Iskra nodded and Revna jogged beyond the tree line and out of sight.


    "Iskra..." Ingrid cried as she nuzzled her head into her sisters neck. "Why does Mama leave?"


    "She''s making the world a better place," Iskra stated.


    ...


    Thyra and Rune sat at the table with Iskra. Fell was still out consoling the twins and keeping them away from the room that his parents and Iskra sat in.


    "Do you know what happened to her?" Iskra asked. "Where was she found?"


    "By the time we got to her the animals had..." Rune paused, "She was found about a day north of the village. I''m sorry lille venn." He reached out to put his hand over hers, but she pulled back quickly.


    She rolled her eyes trying to fight back the tears, "I''m not a child. Don''t call me that. I just want to know what happened to my mother."


    "We don''t know what happened," Thyra stated. "Like Rune said, the animals made it impossible to judge what had killed her. It could have been an animal."


    She shook her head, "It was no animal. Mother would have been able to take on a pack of wolves without breaking a sweat. If an animal killed her, we would know about it. I need to find out who did this to her and why." The young woman stood quickly.


    "Iskra," Thyra tried, but the girl was already out the door.


    The young woman marched across the snowy ground. She could feel the anger and fear rising up. Without thinking she swung her right arm out, punching the tree in front of her. She felt the bark crack the skin along her knuckles. Before she could acknowledge the pain, she swung with her left arm achieving the same result. She felt the tears building and she sunk to the ground. She reached for her necklace and her body froze.


    "Don''t take that off," she heard in her mind. She was suddenly a young girl again gazing up at her mother. "S?ta, you know better than to take it off."You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    She was gazing at the snowy ground again, her knuckles bloodied. "Mama, what happened to you? Why couldn''t you have just stayed home?" She released her necklace and hugged her knees to her chest. "Mama, I don''t know what to do."


    Rune stood about twenty feet away, "You take care of your sisters." He stated as he walked up to the young woman. "You do what is right, what is good. You make sure that those little girls don''t lose hope."


    She sniffled, running her hand under her nose. "How do I do that?"


    "I think you have to figure that out for yourself," he stated as he crouched beside her.


    ...


    Iskra reached for her shield as she grabbed her pack and her Warhammer. The note was scrawled and left on the table for Thyra and Rune to find when they awoke. She couldn''t bother them with goodbyes. She was never good at goodbyes. She opened the door quietly and began walking into the cold early morning air. It was mid Spring, but snow still fell.


    She was only about 60 feet from the front door when she heard the it open quickly behind her. She turned to see the twins rushing down the stairs in their nightgowns tears streaming down their cheeks.


    "Don''t go!" Ingrid cried.


    "You can''t leave us!" Freya added.


    Lights in the house suddenly came on and Iskra knew that she wasn''t going to get far. She dropped her shield and Warhammer, scooping her sisters into her arms. They wrapped their small arms around her neck as she closed her eyes. The door opened again, this time Thyra and Rune stepped out into the snow flaked ground.


    "Iskra!" Thyra''s eyes landed on the shield and Warhammer that had been discarded, the note in her hand. "Please come back inside." The woman''s voice cracked slightly as she stepped out onto the snow. "We need to talk."


    "We''ve done enough talking," she replied. "It''s time for me to help support this house."


    "There are other ways..." Rune tried as Iskra set the girls down on the front steps. "Please, Iskra. Your mother didn''t want this."


    Iskra''s eyes flashed, cold and icy, "She told me that I should always follow her. That is what I am doing, is it not?"


    Thyra reached out to wipe the snow from Iskra''s shoulder, but the younger woman took a step back. "I know, you are hurting Iskra... Please. Don''t go. Not like this."


    Iskra sighed, "I have to go. There''s something I have to do. I don''t know what, but I know it''s out there and not here." She glanced at Rune, "You told me to do what is right, what is good. Well right now, I need to bring back some light into this world. I can''t bring back light when I am already surrounded by it. You have to step into the darkness to let light shine." Rune took a step back, nodding slowly.


    Ingrid and Freya glanced up to their sister then at each other. Ingrid reached out her hand and Iskra took it and squeezed lightly. She knelt down to be at the level of the twins. "You two, take care of each other. Got it?" They nodded tears building once more. "Listen to Thyra and Rune, and don''t go getting yourselves into too much trouble." She stood her eyes landing on Thyra. "I have to go."


    The woman sobbed, "Lille venn..." Iskra took a step forward and wrapped her arms around the older woman. "I promised her... I would give you a good, normal life."


    "And you did!" Iskra wiped the tears from Thyra''s face. "But now it''s time for me to do what I promised. I promised I''d follow her."


    "But..."


    "I''ll be fine," she stated.

 Session 1: Welcome to Port Lysren

    Spring 38 YR 331


    Opal shivered as she lifted her blanket closer to her chin. One last night on the road. That''s all it should take before making it to Port Lysren. She rolled closer to the small fire trying to maintain the little bit of warmth she had in the small camp. She always found it hard to sleep in the make shift camps, with a group of traveling families and merchants. The night dragged on and eventually she drifted off to sleep.


    She didn''t dream often, at least not since she was a child. But just as it had come in the months before she felt a soft breeze, then the darkness faded into mist and smoke. Green and purple tendrils of light surrounding her, a beautiful aurora in the sky above and field of grain at her feet. Then a boy stood before her. Always the same. He had a mop of light brown hair that fell just above his eyes, one eye completely normal, the other reptilian. He hobbled as he walked forward, a warm smile on his face. He looked to be maybe ten, but she really couldn''t tell based on his features.


    Finally, a feminine voice whispered, "Protect him. Keep him safe. Remember, he holds answers to the questions most dear. Now go, find him. You are so close."


    Spring 39 YR 331


    Opal sat in the small caf¨¦, resting up against the back wall. It had been a long day, and she was ready for a nap. Probably a good time to start trying to find the nearest inn to get a room for the night. The bell at the counter rang and she glanced over to see a boy that barely stood taller than the counter. He was standing on top toes to see the register. She watched as the boy paid an entire gold for a stale bread bowl with soup.


    He hobbled over the high top near the window. She watched curiously as he hopped onto the chair. He rubbed his hands together as he eyed the bowl. He lifted the bowl to his mouth and took a bite. Her brows furrowed as he gnawed on the bowl. She wasn''t the only one watching him. His behavior had seemed to catch the attention of many in the caf¨¦.


    Within a few minutes he was done and hobbling off the chair. Opal felt her necklace cool against her skin and she suddenly realized that she knew that boy. The voice shot into her head, "Protect him."


    She couldn''t stop herself from following, she tried to stay about thirty feet back and acted as though she just happened to be heading in the same direction. After a few blocks she saw the boy do a quick check behind him and then quicken his pace. She muttered under her breath, she was caught. Time for some quick thinking.


    She approached the boy, "Are you ok?" She tried. "You looked a little lost." Damn she knew she sounded creepy, but she knew that something bad was going to happen and she needed to make sure this kid was safe.


    "I''m looking for someone to help me talk to my parents," he stated. "I''m T''hih-me by the way!" This kid had obviously never been told not to talk to strangers. Or maybe he really did know that she was here to help him.


    "I can help you find someone," she glanced around the square they were stopped in. "Do you remember where your parents live?"


    "Nope!" He exclaimed as he continued walking down the street.


    Her brows furrowed, "Do you know who your parents are?" She asked as she followed.


    He shook his head, "When I was traveling here a camper told me that someone in Port Lysren would know how to contact my parents."


    "Do you know the contact''s name?" She asked.


    "I forgot it," he stated his voice unwavering.


    She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again. No wonder this kid needed protection. She continued to walk alongside him for about another block. He paused in the street once more and made a 180 turn heading back the way they came. He started heading into stores asking random shopkeepers if they could help him find his parents. Each one glanced at Opal with a quizzical look then back at the boy before ignoring his question. It didn''t seem to phase the kid.


    Finally, they stepped into a beautiful store with herbs hanging from the ceiling, yarns of different color and size across the room. A little bell rang as they stepped into the door. At the counter sat a rat with white fur and a brown spot on her back. She appeared to be counting the coin that had been left by the last customer.


    "I''ll be right out!" A woman''s voice called from the hall behind the counter.


    T''hih-me stepped up to the counter rocking back and forth as he waited patiently. Opal strolled through the shop examining the wares. She heard shuffling at the register and made her way back up by T''hih-me. A young woman in her mid to late twenties, was heading up to the counter. Her auburn hair pulled back into beautiful braids, her clothes finer than most in this part of town. She furrowed her brow slightly as she glanced between the odd pair.


    "Welcome to Idunn''s Garden," she said warmly. "My name is Gudrun. How can I help you?" She scanned both of them, her brows furrowing ever so slightly when her eyes landed on Opal.


    "I''m T''hih-me!" The boy exclaimed. "Can I use your bathroom?" She gave a hesitant nod, glancing back up to Opal who just shrugged.


    Opal watched as T''hih-me made his way behind the counter. Her focus not on the woman that ran the shop. Gudrun cleared her throat catching Opal''s attention once more.


    "Does he just need to use the restroom or was there another reason you both came into my shop?" She asked, her hand reaching for something in her pocket.


    Opal shrugged, "We''ve been going from shop to shop trying to find someone to help this kid talk with his parents." Gudrun tilted her head. "He said that they don''t live in town. He said he had a contact somewhere in the city that could help him. I''m Opal by the way."


    Gudrun pulled her hand from her pocket and took a seat in the stool by the counter. "Alright Opal...and how do you know this kid?"


    Opal stammered, "We, uh..." she paused and her shoulders sagged slightly. "I saw him at the caf¨¦ trying to eat a bread bowl...This kid needs all the help he can get."


    A loud smack caught their attention.


    "Ow..." the boy''s voice was pitiful as he picked himself off the floor.


    In front of him stood a female tabaxi carrying a large stack of boxes. She huffed as she adjusted her grip on the stack and stepped over the boy on the floor. She walked right past the counter to the darker corner of the shop and deposited her boxes before heading back to Gudrun her hand outstretched waiting for payment.


    "Well, Edge, you could have been a little nicer to my guests." She smirked as she handed the tabaxi the coin due.


    Edge glanced at the two others in the shop and then back to Gudrun, "You''re forgetting something."


    "Oh, was that today?" She glanced at the rat sitting next to the register. "Mette, how could you let me forget?" The rat shrugged in response, its whiskers twitching ever so slightly. "I haven''t even milked Henry today," she sighed. "If you wait a few minutes I will have the cream ready for you."


    Edge glanced around the store quickly, shrugged, grabbed a paper from the nearby stand and took a seat at the "break" table off in the corner.


    "Give me a moment," Gudrun smiled at T''hih-me as she began to walk away.


    "Wait!" He exclaimed. "Can you help me talk with my parents?"


    She had her hand on the doorknob, "Are your parents dead?" She asked plainly.


    He frowned, "I don''t think so. Why?"


    She clicked her tongue, "I don''t really have any magics like ''sending'' per say. I don''t think my means of communication will really work with you know ''living people''."


    "Can we at least try?" T''hih-me asked. "Nothing else has worked." A hint of sadness laced his words.


    Gudrun released the handle and turned the sign on her door to read "closed". She sighed, "We can try. But no promises, buddy."


    "I''m not buddy," he stated, "my name is T''hih-me." Gudrun glanced back at Opal again, but the young woman didn''t seem to notice.


    "Well T''hih-me," she grabbed a few herbs from the ceiling and a candle from the shelf, "do you have anything that belonged to your parents?"


    T''hih-me nodded as he patted his pockets and pulled out a beautiful crystal orb with rainbow bismuth inside. "This is my dad!" He smiled.


    Gudrun leaned over to Opal, "That''s his dad?" She questioned in a hushed whisper.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "I mean he seems to think it is," she replied with equal confusion.


    "Alrighty then," Gudrun tried to give her best smile. "Edge, you joining us?" She asked as she began lighting the candles and herbs.


    Edge shrugged as she put the paper down, "Anything has got to be more interesting than this."


    Opal watched curiously as Gudrun lit the candles. She noted the placement of each item on the table in front of them, the candles and herbs making a small circle with the orb sitting in the center. Gudrun reached out to the others and gestured for everyone to take each other''s hands.


    "I don''t like holding hands," T''hih-me stated as he shied away from the group, holding his one reptilian arm with his "human" arm.


    "Would you be ok if Mette held your hand?" Gudrun asked quietly.


    T''hih-me thought for a moment before nodding and stepping back up to the table. He let Mette rest her little paw on his reptilian arm and then reached for Opal with his other hand. "You can hold this hand," he smiled. Opal returned the smile and took his hand in hers.


    Once they were all sitting around the table, hand in hand, Gudrun began to meditate. Edge and T''hih-me immediately followed Gudrun''s example closing their eyes. Opal on the other hand felt a little uneasy. After a moment or two she followed, closing her eyes as well. They sat in silence for quite a while before Gudrun finally opened her eyes with a sigh.


    "T''hih-me," she started, "I don''t think it worked."


    "I think it did!" He stated.


    She gave him a quizzical look, "I didn''t see or hear anyone. I just saw some sort of stained glass...It reminded me of a church or temple."


    "That''s him!" He exclaimed a smile spreading on his face. "That''s my dad."


    "T''hih-me, buddy..." Gudrun started but was cut short by a loud crash outside her shop.


    The group made their way quickly to the window. "Looks like a wagon wallop." Gudrun sighed as she reached for the door. "Someone may need assistance."


    As the door to the street opens, the group is able to hear the semi-calm arguments from the two drivers. They seemed to be close to coming to an agreement when a group of mercenaries walked up.


    Opal watched from the window of Gudrun''s shop as the mercs began to pester the drivers. Her eyes widened as the mercenary closest to the "at fault" driver, turned and punched him. The man stumbled back and fell to the ground, holding his face in his hands. She quickly ran outside to help the man back to his feet, just as Gudrun, thankfully, gained the attention of the mercs.


    "Let me help you," Opal stated as she reached out her hand to the driver. As he took her hand in his she let her healing magic rush toward him. The man sighed in relief as his cuts began to heal and the blood dried.


    "Thank you," he muttered as he looked up in awe.


    "Opal, T''hih-me," Gudrun called. "Can you guys help get this place cleaned up?" They nodded.


    T''hih-me immediately went to work mending the broken bottles that had fallen into the street. Opal quickly organized a group to help her lift the tipped cart back onto its wheels. She then helped T''hih-me load the repaired bottles back into said cart. Edge and Gudrun were conversing with the drivers, getting them to come to some kind of agreement on the cause of the wagon wallop. By the time Opal and T''hih-me had finished cleaning up, the driver at fault was apologizing and offering a few coins to the other.


    "Those mercs are horrible!" Gudrun exclaimed as they all gathered back in her small shop. "Apparently there is a decreefrom the Town Guard that The Sword''s Brand is in charge of all disputes that happen here in Kjemper''s Tooth. That is unacceptable. The Town Guard are bad enough, I won''t let a merc group destroy my neighborhood." She huffed as she fell into a chair at the table.


    "What''s wrong with Town Guard?" Opal asked a small frown on her face.


    "Corruption, extorsion, etcetera, etcetera." She sighed.


    Opal''s frown deepened, "Not all Town Guard are corrupt." Edge and Gudrun eyed Opal suspiciously.


    "Anyway," Gudrun stated. "Why don''t we," she gestured between herself and Edge, "settle this issue of The Sword''s Brand? We could get a petition together, I know plenty of people in the neighborhood that would sign it."


    "A petition, seriously?" Edge scoffed. "You are going to need more than a fucking petition." T''hih-me cringed at her language. "I think I actually know someone who might be able to help us with this issue. We might be able to enlist her help."


    Gudrun jumped back up from the table a smile on her face, "Let''s show these mercs not to mess with people of Kjemper''s Tooth! Who''s in?" She glanced at Edge then Opal and T''hih-me. "I mean you guys don''t live here, so I guess you don''t really have to help if you don''t want to."


    Opal hesitated as she thought of the options, she didn''t want to get mixed up in anything too dangerous, and she really needed to keep this kid safe.


    "I''m in!" T''hih-me smiled. "Those mercs were not nice at all. They should get swooped up." Gudrun eyed the kid and then let her gaze land back on Opal.


    "I guess I''m in too," she sighed.


    ...


    It was starting to get dark as they made their way to the nicer part of town. Edge had mentioned her contact, Eira Ellingboe, had made multiple comments recently about how The Sword''s Brand mercs were a menace to society. Edge reported that she had not spoken to Eira directly but had made many deliveries to the property and heard of her stance through the servants on her grounds.


    The group stopped outside the gate to the sizably estate. Edge rang the bell and a servant quickly escorted the group inside. He smiled warmly as he surveyed them.


    "How may I help you this evening?" He asked cautiously. "The lady of the house is quite busy and we were not expecting visitors."


    Gudrun nodded in understanding, "We will be quick then. We would like to help take care of the issue that is the Sword''s Brand." The man nodded and left them sitting in the foyer.


    Gudrun glanced at her party member''s wandering eyes and cleared her throat. "We need to be on our best behavior. Do not touch anything." Opal pulled her hand away from a very shiny object and frowned.


    Within just a few minutes the servant was back, "My name is Dean. Allow me to escort you to the Lady of the house." The group followed quickly as they were led through the beautiful home.


    They eventually found themselves in an exquisite dining room with a long table in the center. Sitting at the head of the table was an older tabaxi woman. She had white fur with grey stripes. Her eyes a piercing blue. She glanced up from her work momentarily to wave the group into the room. Dean bowed and took his leave from the room.


    Miss Eira Ellingboe did not stand from her seat and she did not motion for the group to sit. She sighed heavily, "How can I help you this fine evening?"


    "We actually would like to help you," Edge stated.


    "See we have had some unfortunate runs in with the Sword''s Brand and we would like to put a stop to this nonsense," Gudrun stated as Opal and T''hih-me nodded in agreement.


    Eira looked them over, "Before I can trust you to take down the Sword''s Brand, I need a favor." She glanced at her work spread across the table. "I sent a dear friend on a mission a few days ago, Stein. He went searching for answers regarding the Sword''s Brand in the Brig Ward. If you can find Stein, figure out what is in the warehouse, and locate the source of funding for the Sword''s Brand then I will be able to take it from there."


    "Do you know anything about Stein''s movements within the Brig Ward?" Gudrun asked and Eira shook her head. "How many days ago did he go into the Brig Ward?"


    Eira sighed, "Two days ago. We have had no contact since he left."


    Gudrun glanced around her group, "We will find Stein. You have our word." Opal, T''hih-me, and Edge nodded in agreement.


    "Thank you," she smiled ever so slightly. "I will be here when you have completed our task." With that they were effectively dismissed from the room. Dean quickly escorted them back out toward the street.


    "Off to the Brig Ward?" Gudrun asked the group. Edge nodded.


    "We''ve come this far," Opal sighed. "May as make sure you don''t get caught." She glanced around, "What way do we need to go?"


    Gudrun and Edge led the way toward the Brig Ward, Port Lysren''s known warehouse district. Opal used her magic to obscure them slightly, making it easier for them to blend into the surroundings. The walk toward the Brig Ward at this time of night should have been fairly uninterrupted, but as luck would have it, they found themselves approaching a large commotion. As they approached the torch light, they quickly noted that there was a heavy guard and Sword''s Brand presence.


    Opal could feel Gudrun leave the zone of her magic, but the woman didn''t seem to have any trouble getting closer without being noticed. They listened and watched from a distance as the guards investigated a murder scene in a nearby alley. Soon enough Gudrun was back with the group, she pulled them to a nearby shop. The Olde Wolf''s Den was an eclectic shop with antiques and novelty items.


    "The murder in the alley was done by the Sword''s Brand and they are trying to cover it up," Gudrun sighed. "They left so many tracks and clues, but because they are the Sword''s Brand it is going to get swept under the rug."


    Opal watched as Gudrun pulled Edge further into the shop hoping to find the shopkeep so they could get on the roof. She turned just in time to see T''hih-me reach out to touch the only thing in the shop with an explicit "Do Not Touch" sign.


    "What you think your doing?" An unfamiliar voice rasped from the corner of the room.


    T''hih-me and Opal glanced around to see a deep gnome standing in the shadows, a long deep scar running from his ribcage across his abdomen, his eyes a glimmering yellow.


    "I wasn''t doing anything," T''hih-me''s hands fell to his sides quickly. The gnome stepped out of the shadows eyeing T''hih-me. "No funny business here."


    The gnome huffed and began walking toward the back of the shop where Gudrun and Edge now stood. Opal glanced back toward T''hih-me to see him reaching back up toward the taxidermy wolf in the window. Her arm flew out and she pulled T''hih-me by the scruff of his neck.


    "It says, don''t touch." She stated as she pulled him away from the wolf.


    "It looks so real!" His hand began reaching out again.


    "Stop it..." Opal groaned as she began pulling the boy toward Gudrun and Edge.


    "What are you two doing?" Gudrun snapped catching both of their attention. They didn''t answer. "We are heading up to the roof."


    Opal and T''hih-me quickly followed behind Gudrun while Edge disappeared into the night. Gudrun eyed her company and sighed loudly.


    "What?" Opal asked.


    Gudrun glanced at her, frustrated. "Uffe, let us know that Stein was here a few days ago."


    "Uffe?" T''hih-me asked.


    "The shopkeep," Gudrun stated. "He said that Stein went down to the inn just around the corner. Edge is on her way there now to get some intel. I am stuck here babysitting you guys."


    "Babysitting?" T''hih-me and Opal asked in unison.


    Gudrun nodded as she glanced in the direction that Edge was heading. "Now keep your guard up. We don''t want Edge getting in a sticky situation because I was stuck babysitting..."


    Opal huffed and crossed her arms as she watched Edge run through the alley and then disappear into the Double Horn Inn. She paced the roof top as they waited for Edge to reemerge from the building. She made quick work of it. After about fifteen minutes, Edge was leaving the inn and heading back to Uffe''s shop.


    She made her way up to the rooftop a smug smile on her face. "I got the location." She handed Gudrun a crumpled note. "They said he was meeting with Frey Bell, a Sword''s Brand Sympathizer in the Warehouse district."


    Gudrun smoothed the note and smiled, "Just got to find the warehouse with this symbol."


    Opal and T''hih-me followed behind Gudrun and Edge as they made their way to the Brig Ward, Port Lysren''s warehouse district. A haze hung over this part of town making it difficult to see. Gudrun stopped as they approached a large warehouse with a singular exterior door, a light hanging on either side, and two guards, one on either side of the door. They had not seemed to notice the group yet.


    Gudrun muttered something under her breath and the guards slumped against the wall. Opal''s jaw dropped as she watched both men slip slowly to the ground. Edge and T''hih-me were by the door first followed by Opal and Gudrun.


    "Try to be really quiet..." Gudrun whispered.


    T''hih-me opened the door slowly giving everyone a view of the inside of the warehouse. Bodies littered the floor, with a pile close to one side. The sound of flapping wings was the only thing to break the silence.


    ...

 Session 2: The Job Board

    It wasn''t obvious at first, where the sound of wings was coming from. Opal illuminated the room, casting light on her shield. The runes covering the piece alit with a beautiful sea foam green light. As the room brightened, four raven-like kenku soldiers rushed the group.


    "Take care of them." One squawked in dwarvish.


    "Intruders." Another squawked.


    Human guards rush in from behind them as they begin to fight. Opal was at T''hih-me''s side, trying not to let the boy out of her sight. She had to protect him. Whatever the cost.


    Opal swung her warhammer, striking true causing the kenku to fall back. She lifted her shield to cover T''hih-me just as the human guard went to strike. She pushed the blade away from him, swinging her warhammer toward the guard by T''hih-me this time. She watched as Edge climbed up to the catwalk above, taking down the long-range kenku guard. Gudrun was running up the stairs away from the fight, T''hih-me close behind.


    The kenku guard smiled wickedly toward Opal as she realized she was alone with three guards still standing. Opal adjusted her stance readying for the next attack. The others were out of range for these three guards. As long as there weren''t any others she could manage. She dodged the first attack, and struck the human guard behind her. The man fell.


    "Two left..." she muttered in primordial.


    The kenku rushed her, without hesitation she struck. Her warhammer hitting true and erupting with sea foam green vines and radiant light. The Kenku squawked as it fell. Opal glanced at the final guard. He was heavily injured. The man dropped his weapon and held up his hands in surrender.


    "Please don''t kill me..." he begged. "I''ve got a family. I won''t tell anyone that you were here. Just let me go, please."


    Opal nodded towards the door, not changing her stance. "Go."


    The man scrambled out of the building. Leaving Opal alone on the ground floor of the warehouse. She followed T''hih-me, Gudrun, and Edge upstairs. She could hear them talking, but could not see who they were talking to. She approached and saw a merchant with elegant, but bloodied robes. He had a smirk on his face that made Opal uneasy.


    "Like I said," he sighed. "I do not know any merchants by the name of Osgood. Now please, release me. I am only a middle man. Nothing good will come of you getting rid of me."


    Gudrun untied the merchant, "Frey, I hope you understand that you now owe us. We saved your life."


    The man bowed slightly in thanks as he slipped out the window in the room. "We''re just going to let Frey Bell walk?" Edge hissed. "Why is that a good plan?"


    "He''s not going to tell anyone that we were here," Gudrun replied. "And if he does, that will just get us closer to who is in charge of this whole thing."


    Opal heard a sputtering cough and turned to see a beaten and bruised guard starting to wake in the corner. T''hih-me slid closer to the man and drop to his knees to examine him. Opal stood behind, making sure nothing happened to the boy. Edge and Gudrun were already making their way out of the small room to search the rest of the warehouse.


    "Whoa..." the man groaned as he blinked.


    "It''s ok," T''hih-me smiled and his hands glowed in a soft rainbow light as he healed the injured man. "We are here to help."


    The man''s brow furrowed but he did not recoil from the healing. "Weren''t your friends just about to kill me?"


    "They didn''t know who you were," T''hih-me smiled.


    "Do you?" He asked.


    T''hih-me shook his head, "No. But your armor doesn''t match the armor of the guys downstairs. So I''m hoping you are one of the good guys!"


    The man chuckled softly, holding his ribs. "I guess you would say that Tyr''s Uproar is better than The Sword''s Brand."


    "Where would we go if we were trying to find Tyr''s Uproar?" Opal asked. "They may be good allies."


    The man eyed the two before him. His hand traced a symbol in the dust on the ground. "Follow this symbol through the sewers, and you shall find Tyr''s Uproar."


    "Thank you," T''hih-me smiled warmly. "Now, please don''t tell anyone that we were here. It could get us into a lot of trouble."


    The man chuckled, "You are a weird kid..." T''hih-me eyed him expectantly. "I promise I won''t tell anyone that you were here. Not that I have anyone to tell."


    T''hih-me held out his hand and helped the man to his feet. "It was nice to meet you," T''hih-me stated as the man headed toward the window that Frey had gone through just a moment before. The man waved and left the two in a dark room. "He was nice."


    Opal furrowed her brow, "How did you do that?"


    "Do what?" He asked. "I was just being nice to him. I don''t really like fighting. People just get hurt."


    She nodded in understanding as she continued to search the room. The desk in the center of the room was littered with random trinkets and scraps of unused paper. Opal picked up a small jeweled bird figurine. She turned the item over in her hands examining it closely. She pocketed it. Something of that quality had to be important.


    She went to open the desk drawer but it was locked shut. She lifted her warhammer and was about to bring it down on the desk when T''hih-me slipped in front of her. She stopped mid swing.


    "Whoa," he sighed, "it''s probably best that we leave things intact. And it''s not very nice to open locked drawers. What if there is something private in there?"


    "That''s the whole point," Opal argued. "We need to get into that desk." She lifted her warhammer once again. This time before her hammer could hit the desk Edge walked in.


    The tabaxi furrowed her brow and chuckled, "Need help getting into the desk?"


    Opal sighed and let the warhammer drop to her side. "I mean I''d rather not destroy the desk if there is another way."


    "Step aside, poofs..." Opal frowned as she reached up to fix her hair. Within seconds the tabaxi had stepped away from the desk, the drawer now propped open. "I can''t read any of that...I think it might be dwarvish?"


    Opal stepped forward and glanced at the paperwork exploding out of the desk drawer. She nodded as she scooped the notes and letters from the drawer. She began to leaf through it as they made their way back downstairs to find Gudrun going through box after box.


    "There''s nothing here..." she sighed in frustration. "These boxes are incredibly heavy for what is inside of them. But I cannot figure out what else is in them." She glanced at the shipping ledger once more. "And why would everything be in dwarvish?" She shoved a box to the side.


    Edge glanced at the shipping ledger and sighed.


    Gudrun sighed,  "Well, I think we have found about all we can here. Unless you all have any other insights?" Opal and T''hih-me shook their heads. "In that case, we best go after those attackers that got away."


    T''hih-me frowned, "Would they still be attackers if we were the ones doing the attacking?"


    "I meant the people that attacked Frey," she sighed.


    "Oh," T''hih-me said, "I guess they would be considered attackers then."


    Opal led the way out of warehouse. She quickly caught a trail of blood droplets leading down a back alley. She followed them. Sure enough they led to a symbol, the one the man had drawn for her and T''hih-me. It was engraved on the cobblestone near a sewer grate. She took a deep breath and lifted the sewer grate aside allowing Gudrun, Edge, and T-hih-me to slip through. She followed placing the sewer grate back over the opening.


    "How did you know where to go?" Edge asked.


    "Look for the symbol that has a flaming sword," she stated.


    They continued down the path, following the markings at each fork in the sewer. Soon enough they started to hear hushed chatter from men up ahead. Gudrun turned to the group and gestured for them to keep quiet. They tried. Edge and Gudrun seemed quiet enough, but T''hih-me and Opal''s chainmail armor and shields clinked as they walked. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn''t be quiet.


    "Do you here that?" A man whispered from up ahead. "Think we were followed?"


    Before they could notice, Edge and Gudrun struck. Both men were down in an instant. Opal and T''hih-me''s jaws drop. Opal quickly moved to stabilize both men as she and T''hih-me tied the two up and pulled them down the hall. When they made it back to Edge and Gudrun they were both sitting against the wall, resting.


    "Let''s just take a quick breather," Gudrun suggested. "We may need to be prepared for anything else that may be down here."


    Opal frowned as she glanced at Gudrun, a glowing rune sat against the wall right above the woman''s head. "I''m not so sure this is a great place to rest..." Opal stammered. "Maybe we can rest a little further down the hall?"


    Edge glanced down the hall and frowned, "Yeah...Poofs is right, we should get out of here."


    Gudrun glanced up and followed Edge''s gaze. "Is that a torch?"


    Opal glanced down the hall to see what appeared to be a ball of redish orange light moving right toward them. "There''s no one holding it though..." She stepped further into the hall. "We mean no harm. We are just trying to..."


    A sudden eruption of flame burst right around Opal. She dodged, but not fast enough. The flames were gone just as quickly as they had appeared. When Opal looked up she was face to "face" with a flaming skull.


    "Get away from her!" T''hih-me shouted raising his rainbow orb high. The creature shook as if it did not want to obey, but as T''hih-me stepped closer the creature turned and sped off.


    "Thank you T''hih-me," Opal smiled warmly. "I appreciate that."


    "You''re welcome," he smiled. "Let''s go though...I don''t think that will last very long."


    Opal nodded, "Good thing we need to go in a different direction." She pointed toward the next symbol.


    They continued on the path for another few minutes before they found a symbol with an arrow pointing up to yet another grate. Opal struggled a bit with this grate, but with a little extra effort she was able to push it aside just like before. She peaked her head in revealing an empty room above them. She quickly climbed the small ladder into the room, helping the others up out of the sewer.


    Glancing around the small dimly lit area they all saw a hallway with two doors, one on each side. Opal could hear faint whispering beyond the doors, but could not tell which door it was coming from. As the group approached the hall, the whispering stopped. Opal glanced at Gudrun and she nodded toward the door on the right. Opal knocked, and opened the door revealing an empty room. Opal turned to the only remaining door and opened.


    Arrows and a fire bolt flew through the door barely missing Opal and Gudrun. Gudrun pushed the door the rest of the way open revealing five human guards, one halfling woman wearing casting robes, and one orcish woman in chainmail. Sitting tied to a chair and bloodied in the center was Stein, the elven friend of Eira Ellingboe.


    "Oh, Stein darling, is this where you have been hiding?" Gudrun crooned.


    A momentary look of confusion crossed his face, "Oh honey, you really shouldn''t see me like this..."


    Opal tried not to show her confusion at the exchange. Gudrun obviously had a plan, and surprisingly it seemed to be working. The guards'' arms were beginning to slacken, as if they would put their weapons down. The orcish woman seemed "intrigued" by this exchange. However, the halfling had not moved her gaze from Opal.


    Opal tried not to make eye contact with the halfling. She couldn''t figure out why the woman would be watching her so intently. She did not seem to be phased by any part of the conversation between Gudrun, Stein, and the orcish woman. Opal glanced back to Gudrun and Stein to see Gudrun leading Stein out of the room.


    "Well come now Stein," Gudrun smiled warmly. "Let''s get you home and rested."


    Edge stepped forward slightly and the guards raised their weapons yet again, "My name is Edge. I want to help in your fight against the Swords Brand." The guards lowered their weapons slightly.


    The orcish woman smiled softly and waved her hand, dismissing the group from the room.


    ...


    "You both are welcome to stay with me if you don''t have a place for the night," Gudrun stated as the four walked back towards Kjemper''s Tooth. Stein had split from their group as soon as they were sure they no longer had a tail.


    "Thank you for the offer," Opal smiled, "but we already have rooms for the night at the inn."


    "Together?" Edge asked curiously.


    "No!" Opal exclaimed. "We have separate rooms."


    Edge chuckled, "Gudrun I will walk you back to your shop."


    "We should all meet back up in the morning," Gudrun stated. "We need a plan." The other three nodded in agreement. "I will have breakfast ready bright and early."


    "Don''t forget the cream this time," Edge smirked.


    ...


    Spring 39 YR 331


    Opal woke before dawn to do complete her morning routine. She did a quick yoga session, then reapplied her makeup to blend the rainbow fissures of her skin which made them appear more like tattoos rather than fissures. She combed and braided her hair, ending in two poofs above her ears. She smiled as she looked in the mirror. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    She glanced out the window, the sun was just barely peaking over the mountains in the distance. She still had time before she had to meet T''hih-me in the inn tavern. She sat on the bed and pulled out her journal. She scribbled into the journal in primordial.


    "I found him. Finally. Now I just have to protect him. And not tell him that I am protecting him. That may be difficult. His name is T''hih-me! And I don''t think he is a child like I initially thought. But he does seem to need protecting and that...that I can do. I met two others here in Port Lysren. They seem nice enough."


    She closed her journal, tucking it back into her pack, and made her way downstairs to meet T''hih-me. The young man was sitting in the tavern, near the door. He waved at her as she came into the room.


    They quickly made their way to Gudrun''s shop. When Opal opened the door to Idun''s Garden the smell of fresh baked bread greeted them. She smiled as T''hih-me seemed hobbled over to the table in the corner where Gudrun sat. Opal took the seat next to T''hih-me.


    "Well good morning," Gudrun smiled. "You both look wonderful today." Opal caught the slightest look as Gudrun glanced her way. She couldn''t put her finger on what was happening, but she felt the Gudrun was nervous about something.


    "This bread looks delicious," T''hih-me smiled. "It smells as good as the bread Ma Suzie makes."


    "Who''s Ma Suzie," Edge asked.


    "She raised me," T''thih-me stated. "She is an amazing baker."


    "Is Ma Suzie your mom?" Opal asked.


    T''hih-me shook his head, "That''s a silly question. You know I am looking for my mom and know where Ma Suzie is. She is in Sistajanse." He glanced at Opal. "Where are you from?"


    She shrugged, "A small village about a day travel from Kauhea. You''ve probably never heard of it. Most people haven''t." She glanced at Edge who appeared very bored with the conversation. "We should probably finish eating and head to Eira''s. We have all those documents to show her from last night."


    "That is a grand idea!" Gudrun exclaimed.


    ...


    Eira''s home was just as elegant in the daylight as it had been last night. When they approached, Dean quickly ushered them in and led them to the dining room. Eira was pouring over other documents. She didn''t even glance up as the group entered.


    "Stein reported that I have you four to thank for his rescue," she smiled. "Were you able to find anything else in your adventures?"


    "We did," Gudrun stated as she dug through her bag for the shipping ledgers. "We think they are in dwarvish."


    "Do any of you read dwarvish?" Eira asked and Opal rose her hand slightly. "Would you be willing to help translate? I can provide some clarifying information if you have questions on places, names, or anything related to the city."


    "Of course I can help," Opal stated as she took a seat near Eira and begun sifting through the papers.


    It took a few hours to get through all the documents they had found in the warehouse, but between Eira''s city knowledge and Opal''s translating they were able to get it done.


    "So the looms are going to one part of town," Eira started, "and the ''invisible fabric'' is going to a completely different part of town? Also the looms are being made, and then shipped back to the exact place they were made...but it makes no mention of the place where they are coming from?"  She sighed. "I feel like this has just brought up more questions than answers."


    Gudrun shrugged, "We did learn that the looms and fabric seem to be the way that money is being laundered for the Sword''s Brand."


    "Guess we need to go find more information," Edge stated.


    Eira shook her head, "We have no solid leads. Which makes this already dangerous investigation a bit trickier. I would advise against further investigation for the time being." She glanced toward Dean. "Please get them their earnings, and show them out. I am getting tired." Dean nodded and took his leave. "Be waiting for my next missive. I will let you know when we have a new lead."


    ...


    "A whole hundred hold pieces!" Edge exclaimed as they entered Idun''s Garden. "We just made 100 gold pieces. Each!" She had a smug smile, "I told you guys that this contact would help us out."


    Gudrun rolled her eyes. "Well, I have a few errands to run before I open my shop for the remainder of the day. You three are welcome to stay if you need to, but there are a ton of lovely shops that would be happy to see some new business around here."


    "Any that sell potions?" T''hih-me asked, "Or books?" Opal''s widened at the mention of books and she nodded excidely.


    "Books would be at ''The Book Wyrm'' and potions would be across the street at ''The Olde Krone," she smiled.


    T''hih-me glanced up at Opal, "Where to?"


    "Uh," Opal stammered, "let''s go to The Olde Krone first I guess."


    They walked across the street to a beautiful shop that appeared to have been carved into a large tree. Inside many different aromas hit. Opal tried to hide the cough as tears built up in her eyes. T''hih-me''s face scrunched up as the aroma hit him too. Gudrun, had no reaction as she stepped past the two. She walked up to the desk and rang the bell. After a moment she hit the bell again. Another moment passed without response.


    "Fala!" Gudrun called up the stairs. "Fala, you have customers."


    "Coming," an ethereal voice sighed.


    A door opened at the top of the stairs, smoke billowing from the room, as a tall gangly eladrin made their way out of the room and down the stairs. The eladrin had a greenish tint to their skin with long hair and large circular glasses.


    "Fala,"Gudrun tapped her foot, "I have a shop that needs to be open. Please will you hurry."


    "All in good time," they smiled as they slowly stepped up to the counter. "How may I help my lovely friend this morning?"


    "It''s afternoon, Fala." Gudrun stated. "I need a potent healing potion, Fala. I know you have at least one."


    Fala inhaled deeply, "I do."


    Gudrun sighed, "Can we barter for it?"


    "We can," Fala smiled as they lifted a potted plant from below the counter. "I will give you the potion, if you allow me to grow this lovely plant in your shop."


    Gudrun eyed the plant and then Fala, "Is this what I think it is?"


    Fala sighed, "It depends on what you think it is...so maybe."


    Gudrun rubbed her hand over her eyes, "Alright Fala...But if the Town Guard come looking, I''m telling them it is yours."


    "Fair enough," Fala smiled as they handed Gudrun the plant and the potion. As Gudrun left they turned their attention to Opal and T''hih-me. "Ooo, new customers. How can I assist?"


    "Do you have another one of those potions?" T''hih-me asked.


    Fala nodded, "150 gold pieces."


    T''hih-me turned to Opal, "We could buy it together? Then we have one if one of us gets hurt." Opal nodded in agreement. "We''ll get it!" T''hih-me handed over his portion while Opal hand over hers.


    Fala handed the potion to Opal, "Use it well." He blew a puff of smoke toward the two causing them both to cough.


    They quickly made their way toward The Book Wyrm. Once them made it inside the store Opal lost sight of T''hih-me. She glanced around looking at the books on heroes of regions. She found a book on local folk heroes and legends. She picked it up and skimmed through it. Nothing jumped out at her but she knew she would actually have to read it to see if her mother was mentioned. She grabbed that book as well as the book next to it, Heroes of the Age, and made her way to the counter.


    T''hih-me waved at her from his place next to Gudrun showing her the book he had found. She was too far away to see what it was about. Opal paid for her books and met Gudrun and T''hih-me outside the store.


    "Ah, I think now is a good time to head to the Job Board," Gudrun sighed as she glanced at the sun.


    "Weren''t you going to open your shop?" Opal asked.


    "Can''t work on an empty stomach," Gudrun smiled as she began walking.


    Opal and T''hih-me followed. "Can you get food at the Job Board?" T''hih-me asked.


    Gudrun nodded, "The Job Board is the largest tavern in town. As well as the spot of the local job board. That is probably where Edge ran off to."


    Gudrun led them down the street and out of Kjemper''s Tooth. They quickly made there way toward the center of town to a large outdoor food market. The northern most side of the market sat The Job Board. Sure enough Edge was scouting out the posts on the actual job board near the guard station.


    "You guys find something to eat," Gudrun stated. "I will meet you both at the table over there."


    Opal nodded and began to scout the food stalls. She hadn''t noticed that T''hih-me was following right behind her.


    "Do you think they have bread bowls?" He asked causing her to jump.


    She thought back to the day before as she had watched T''hih-me attempt to devour a stale bread bowl. "They might, but I bet you can find something better than a bread bowl." She glanced around and then pointed to another stall. "They have meat pies and stew...they might have bread bowls."


    She made her way over to the stall and ordered a bowl of vegetable stew. T''hih-me ordered a bread bowl and then followed her to the table Gudrun had told them to meet at. Within a few moments Gudrun and Edge were at the table. Opal noticed that Gudrun had sat next to her, but left room for an entire person between them.


    "So many job postings," Edge said with a smile. "We can do this one..." She placed a flyer on the table.


    "Dead or Alive!" Read the notice. "Assassin in Blad Ward."


    The next notice read, "Silent Attacker terrorizing children in Tolvhund."


    "What about this one?" Edge placed another. "A flying creature taking children by the docks. Ooo wait, this one looks promising. House Lind requesting body guards for an event. They are a big name! Probably would pay lots of money."


    "The house Lind contract requires references..." Gudrun sighed. "May not be able to get into that one as easily as you thought."


    "I think we should do one of these," T''hih-me pulled the one for Tolvhund and the docks. "Can''t let anything terrorize children, that wouldn''t be right."


    "We could bring a little hope back to the town too," Opal stated. "I think the Tolvhund one is our best option."


    Gudrun examined the posts, "Tolvhund is on the way to the Blad Ward. We could stop through Tolvhund, see what is going on, then head over to the Blad Ward."


    "The Tolvhund task doesn''t even have a listed reward..." Edge grumbled. "I am not doing a job for free."


    Opal frowned, "Bring hope to those that have lost it isn''t a good enough reason?"


    Gudrun put her hand up before Edge could argue, "I can guarantee that Tolvhund will be able to find a reward if we are able to save their children. Plus, that will give us a reference to get into the House Lind contract." Edge thought for a moment and then sighed, "Fine. We can look into those tasks first."


    The group continued to eat quietly. Gudrun and Edge talked quietly amongst themselves about the safest way to get from Tolvhund to the Blad Ward while Opal and T''hih-me finished their lunch.


    When T''hih-me began to gnaw on the bread bowl, Gudrun and Edge''s conversation stopped. "What is he doing?" Edge asked Opal.


    "I''m eating," T''hih-me stated. "These bread bowls are delicious."


    Opal shrugged, "This is how I found him yesterday. He really seems to like those bread bowls."


    "Ma Suzie makes better ones," he smiled.


    "T''hih-me, why did you leave Ma Suzie''s?" Gudrun asked cautiously.


    He shrugged, "I''m too old to live there. Ma Suzie said it was time to go out on my own now that I am an adult. Eventually my siblings will have to do the same thing."


    "How many siblings do you have?" Gudrun asked.


    "Three," he smiled.


    Opal thought about her sisters and Fell briefly. She wasn''t quite ready to divulge that information to her new companions, but listening to T''hih-me talk about his siblings made her heart ache. It had been almost a year since she last saw them.


    "I have a few siblings too," Gudrun stated. "I''m the eldest of the bunch." Her eyes seemed to glaze over briefly, then she turned her attention back to the conversation with Edge.


    "Do you have any siblings?" T''hih-me asked glancing at Opal.


    She hesitated slightly before nodding, "Yes."


    Thankfully, Gudurn and Edge started to stand from the table. "We should probably head out!" Gudrun smiled.


    "Great idea," Opal agreed.


    They made their way back through town heading to Tolvhund. T''hih-me was chatting with Gudrun about his travels from Sistejanse to Port Lysren. Opal caught a few mentions of traveling alone just like she had.


    The closer they got to Tolvhund the less and less townsfolk they saw on the streets. Specifically less and less children. The small portion of town had barred their windows and some even barred their doors.  The park in the center of Tolvhund was deserted. The swings swayed ever so slightly in the soft breeze. Whatever was terrorizing this part of town, it was leaving a mark.


    "You shouldn''t be out here at this time of day, little one..." An older elven woman said toward T''hih-me. "It''s not safe to be out this close to dusk."


    T''hih-me frowned, "I''m not a child." The woman blinked.


    "But you could pass for one," Edge smiled then turned toward the woman. "What is going on around dusk that makes it not safe?"


    The woman eyed them all hesitantly, "Go speak with the family on the corner. They should be able to assist you."


    "Thank you," Gudrun stated as the woman walked away in a hurry.


    The house on the corner was one with boarded windows. The front door had five branding slash marks across the center, almost deep enough to go through the door. Gudrun frowned as she examined the marks before knocking lightly.


    "Who goes there!" A male voice called from inside the house.


    "Good afternoon, sir..." Gudrun started. "My companions and I were hoping to help with the situation here in town. We heard there was a creature terrorizing children."


    There were a few knocks and clanks then a final thud before the door opened. The man standing on the other side of the door looked weary. He gestured for the group to enter, closing the door behind them quickly. It was a standard home, but the amount of locks the man had on the door were concerning.


    "Are you really here to help us?" The man asked. "We don''t have much for a reward, but I am sure the neighborhood could scrounge something together for those that protect the children."


    "Do you know what is happening?" Gudrun asked.


    The man shrugged a slight nod, "My son was attacked a few nights ago. He barely made it home in one piece." The man''s eyes glazed. "So much blood." He seemed to shake himself out of whatever memory he was lost in. "My son said it was a dog. A black dog with fiery red eyes and it could breathe fire. "


    Opal''s eyes widened. She had only ever heard of those from Siri in Kauhea. Hell hounds. She gulped. There was no reason for a single hell hound to be here in Port Lysren. She glanced around noting that at least Gudrun had come to the same conclusion.


    "Are there any commonalities between attacks?" Opal asked. "The job description implied that multiple attacks had taken place."


    The man nodded, "The creatures typically come out at dusk, and only seem to attack children." He glanced down into the hall. "My son is only 8 and the child that was attacked before him was 7."


    Gudrun nodded in understanding, "I appreciate the information that you have provided. Is there anything else that you might know that would be helpful?"  The man shook his head. "We will see what we can do about the attacks."


    "Please," the man sighed. "Please stop these creatures. We want our children to be safe." The man opened the door and the group shuffled outside. Opal heard the door close and lock behind her.


    Gudrun and Edge began walking toward their next stop. "Aren''t we going to help them?" Opal asked.


    "Of course we are," Gudrun replied.


    "We are?" Edge asked. "That creature sounds like a hell hound...those are nasty creatures."


    "And usually need to be summoned," Gudrun added. "We need to get rid of the one that is currently here and maybe we can figure out who is doing the summoning. But first, we need to find out more information on that Assassin in the Blad Ward."


    Opal went to argue, but T''hih-me stepped up. "I guess we do have about an hour before dusk. That should be enough time get information on the assassin, right?"


    Gudrun nodded, "Then we will come right back to Tolvhund and take care of the hell hound." She glanced at Opal, "Sound good?"


    Opal nodded, "I guess we can do that."


    "Good," Gudrun smiled. "The Blad Ward is just up the street. We should start at the nearest guard post. Might be able to get the information we need there."


    Edge glanced at T''hih-me a few times as they walked, "You know...he does look like he could be about 8 or 9 years old..." Opal''s eyes widened. "We could use the kid as bait in Tolvhund. That park was a good set up spot."


    "No!" Opal and T''hih-me exclaimed in unison.


    "I don''t want to be bait," he stated.


    Opal shook her head, "You don''t have to be bait." She turned to Edge. "Also that would be way too risky. We would have to be too far away to help if something goes wrong."


    Edge huffed, "It was a good idea."


    "No it wasn''t," Gudrun chuckled as Edge shot daggers.


    They turned a corner and the scene seemed to shift. The quiet streets of Tolvhund quickly turned to the hustle and bustle of the Blad Ward. They didn''t go to far into the area as there was a guard post right at the edge of the ward, separating Tolvhund from the Blad Ward.


    Gudrun fixed her hair slightly and readjusted her shawl. "Excuse me, sir?"


    A young man turned glancing out the archway at Gudrun. He cleared his throat, "Why yes, how can I help you?"


    "We heard that the Blad Ward is no longer very safe," she blinked a few times twirling her hair. "Something about an assassin on the loose?"


    The man puffed his chest and chuckled slightly, "Ah, miss, you have nothing to worry about. Port Lysren Town Guard is on the case." He smiled, blushing slightly. "We know all about this assassin, just getting ready to capture him. They say he goes by Andre the Hunter and he might be associated with Tyr''s Uproar, that damned rebel group."


    Gudrun gasped, "Oh no, that is horrible." Opal caught sight of Edge rolling her eyes a soft smirk on her lips as Gudrun spoke with the guard. "I''ve heard that no that has encounter this assassin has lived to tell the tale. Is that true?"


    The guard waved his hand, "We have multiple eye witness reports that say he is either a Tiefling or Genasi, deep purple red skin. But no one has seen his face. He is a long-ranged attacker, favoring poison arrows. No real connection between his attacks though."


    "Oh, how did you track him down then?" Gudrun asked.


    He smiled smugly, "Like I said, the Town Guard is getting ready to strike. We have him backed into a corner a few streets down. He''s not going anywhere."


    "Well that''s boring," Edge stated getting the guards attention.


    Gudrun nodded toward the guard, "Thank you for the wealth of information." The man frowned as Gudrun sauntered away.


    "We should head back to Tolvhund," she stated. "We can take care of Andre the Hunter tomorrow. Looks like the Town Guard has it all under control."


    They made it back to the park of Tolvhund just as the sun began to set. Opal and T''hih-me sat on the swings while Edge and Gudrun paced the grounds. Opal hummed while they sat waiting for the hell hound to strike.


    Suddenly, the air grew cold, mist and fog fell upon the park grounds. Opal felt the tension rising as not one or two hell hounds approached, but five hell hounds surrounded them.

 Session 3: Iduns Garden

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    The hounds were quick. Immediately going for T''hih-me as they entered the park. Opal shielded him from one attack, but could not help on the second. Edge swooped in taking one of the creatures head on, while Gudrun helped from a distance, avoiding any close encounters with the beasts. The hounds had them outnumbered, and maybe out matched.


    Opal reached for her necklace uttering ancient words she had only heard a time or two before. A spectral polar bear head roared around her as she spoke. Opal let out a relieved sigh as the two hell hounds surrounding T''hih-me ran. The young man did not look so good.


    Opal took a few swings at the remaining hell hound. Her warhammer lit with radiant light as she struck. The creature whimpered as it collapsed at her feet.


    "On your right!" Gudrun called.


    Opal ducked just in time as another hell hound leapt toward her. She braced for a hit, but nothing came. She opened her eyes to see T''hih-me standing over the hell hound, his reptilian arm outstretched holding the rainbow orb.


    Opal glanced around the park. four hell hound corpses littered the ground. "Do you think that one that got away will be a problem?" Gudrun asked as she approached. "Never seen this many hell hounds in one place."


    "Should we go get someone?" T''hih-me asked. "We need to show the guard what was attacking the children, right?"


    Edge nodded in agreement, "Kid, why don''t you come with me."


    Opal frowned, "T''hih-me and I should go..."


    Gudrun stepped up to Opal and whispered, "I know you want to protect this kid, but we need to be smart about how we split up. You both are definitely tougher than Edge and I."


    Opal nodded hesitantly, "I''ll stay with Gudrun."


    Edge and T''hih-me were off back toward the guard post they had stopped by earlier. Opal kept a watch over the park. She paced as they waited for T''hih-me and Edge to return. Her gaze shifted slightly to see Gudrun off in a corner. It looked like she was talking to someone, but there was no one there. Opal shrugged it off. When planning she often talked to herself too.


    After a few minutes of waiting and pacing, Edge and T''hih-me returned with two town guard in toe. They glanced at the park and then up to Gudrun and Opal. She could tell that they were genuinely shocked at what they saw.


    "We''ll need a few statements," the man from earlier sighed. "And we will get someone over here to clean these things up. You really took these guys out on your own?" He glanced at the ragtag group.


    "We did," Gudrun replied. "Now it would be very helpful if we could get a letter of recommendation for our services." She smiled. "The letters will be for Opal, T''hih-me, Edge, and Gudrun Valdis Henriksen. That''s S-E-N."


    The guard wrote the names down quickly and stuffed his journal in his pocket. "Alright, I will get those letters written for you. It will be about two days."


    "Perfect," Gudrun smiled. "Now I understand that there was a reward promised for this as well."


    He nodded, "Once we complete our investigation and make sure that the creatures have truly been disposed of, we will send the reward to your home." The guard took each statement quickly as the other ran back to the outpost.


    "Do you guys need a place to stay?" Gudrun asked as she approached T''hih-me and Opal. "My place is available, no charge."


    "I don''t want to impose," Opal started.


    "You wouldn''t be," Gudrun smiled warmly. "I wouldn''t have offered if it would be an imposition."


    Opal and T''hih-me glanced at each other, "We would appreciate a place to stay." T''hih-me nodded in agreement. "Do you happen to have a bath?" Opal asked as she glanced down at her blood splattered hands.


    Gudrun chuckled, "I do. Follow me."


    Edge walked with them for a time before heading in her own direction. She waved at the group as she left. Opal was starting to recognize the different areas of town. She could see the Book Wyrm and the Olde Krone down the street. She knew they were getting close to Gudrun''s shop, Idun''s Garden.


    Gudrun opened the door quickly and ushered her two guests inside. Opal watched as she quickly hung her shawl and the room began to warm. She gestured for T''hih-me and Opal to follow her up the back staircase. Once at the top of the stairs the small hall opened into a decent studio apartment. There was a single large bed up against the far wall and a bath tub in the corner. Along the walls were multiple instruments mostly stringed instruments.


    "You are welcome to stay here," she smiled. "There is only one bed, I hope you do not mind. You mentioned you had siblings so I bet you are familiar with sharing a bed."


    An image of Freya, Ingrid, and their mother cuddled up next to her flashed through her mind and she nodded, "I can sleep on the floor."


    "Nonsense," Gudrun smiled warmly. "If you are uncomfortable sharing the bed I will sleep on the floor." She turned. "Ok, there is the bath. Opal you are welcome to take the first bath, I will get supper ready."


    T''hih-me followed Gudrun back down the stairs leaving Opal alone in the spacious room. She felt her heart sink as the memory flooded back to her mind. She missed her sisters greatly. She missed her mother even more. It had officially been a year since her passing and she had been avoiding the thought for weeks now. She began to fill the tub. At least there was running water. She doffed her armor, gently slipping her undergarments off and slipped into the bath. Her necklace still around her neck. She glanced at the piece. The icy opalescent hues and silver chain. She ran her finger along the jagged edge near the bottom and dunked her head under the water.


    ...


    Opal made her way back down to the others, her traveling clothes on instead of her armor. She took a seat at the table in the corner as Gudrun came into the room with a pot of soup. She ladled out a few bowls for Opal, T''hih-me, and herself. T''hih-me however had not come to the table. As soon as Opal had made her way downstairs he had bolted up the stairs for his turn in the bath.


    "Gudrun?" Opal started and the other glanced up from her soup. "Why did you say that the seance didn''t work yesterday? Do you have to use specific herbs or candles depending on who you are talking to?"


    Gudrun coughed, "Uh, no. I just...Hm." She glanced at Opal curiously. "What did you think I was trying to talk to?"


    "A dead person," Opal stated plainly.


    Gudrun nodded, "Well, yes...I don''t think T''hih-me''s parents are dead." She stated. "I just think he never met them. My seances don''t work for those that are living."


    "How did you learn to do them?" Opal asked her eyes flashing with curiosity. "Can anyone do a seance if they know how?"


    "I mean I guess so..." Gudrun answered.


    "Sorry, I just was curious." Opal said as she quickly continued her meal glancing away from Gudrun.


    They ate in silence for a few moments. T''hih-me came back into the room, wearing the same clothes he had before. He took a seat next to Opal and quickly ate his soup.


    He smiled up at Gudrun, "Can we try talking to my mom this time?"


    She sighed, "T''hih-me, buddy..."


    He frowned, "Stop calling me buddy, that''s not my name."


    "T''hih-me...I don''t think the last seance worked. Why would this one work?" Gudrun asked.


    "Can we at least try?" He asked.


    Gudrun stood and began to gather the candles and herbs. Opal tried to keep track of how she was ordering each item, and what types of herbs she was using. Gudrun lit the candles and gestured for T''hih-me and Opal to hold hands. Mette scuttled forward and held T''hih-me reptilian arm.


    Gudrun began to mutter softly to herself. It didn''t seem like anything was going to happen. Then suddenly a swift winter wind swept across the room and all but one candle goes out. Gudrun''s eyes were wide as she continued to mutter. Then finally the lone candle went out.


    "It worked!" T''hih-me exclaimed. "What did she say?"


    "It didn''t work T''hih-me," Gudrun sighed. "All I saw was smoke and mist."


    "That''s my mom!" T''hih-me smiled widely. "That''s how I see her anyway. Did she say anything?"


    Gudrun shook her head. "I''m sorry T''hih-me."


    He shrugged, "It''s ok. Thank you." He smiled as he hopped off his chair and made his way to the rock in the center of the store. "Can I sleep here? It is really warm and comfy."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Gudrun chuckled, "Of course...T''hih-me."


    "I should head to bed too," Opal smiled. "Thank you again, Gudrun for sharing your space with us."


    "You are very welcome," she smiled. Opal could have sworn the smile faltered every so slightly as she turned away.


    Opal made her way back upstairs to the apartment. She pulled out her bedroll and set it up in the corner of the room. She took her journal out of her pack and began to write.


    "We fought hell hounds! Siri told me about them once, but I''d never thought I would see one in person. I mean I have fought wolves and the like in travels and to protect towns...but nothing like this. And I almost failed my one duty, to protect T''hih-me. I''ve only been on this for one day and i almost failed. Get it together Opal."


    She closed the journal and shoved it back in her pack. She snuggled up to the wall and drifted off to sleep.


    ...


    Spring 40 YR 331


    Opal awoke to the smell of fresh backed bread. She yawned and stretched as she stood from her bedroll. She padded downstairs to find Gudrun already hard at work, and T''hih-me still passed out on the rock. Gudrun had bags under her eyes and it was obvious that she had not gotten much, if any sleep last night.


    "Is there anything I can do to help?" Opal asked. As she stepped forward Gudrun jumped slightly. She must have been lost in thought. "Sorry, I didn''t mean to startle you."


    "You didn''t," she stated then glanced back at her kitchen. "Have you ever made bread before?"


    Opal shook her head, "No, but I am willing to learn."


    "I just need you to stretch the dough," Gudrun stated as she showed Opal a few techniques. "Just fold it like this." Opal tried and Gudrun nodded. "Perfect, i will be back in just a moment. I have to grab something from the back room."


    Gudrun disappeared around the corner leaving Opal to stretch the bread. She glanced up to see Henry the goat staring at her from the pen. Opal sighed and turned her attention to the bread.


    "Maybe it wasn''t the best idea to stay in Gudrun''s home..." she thought to herself. "I should probably get a room for the next few nights."


    The bell at the door jingled and Gudrun came back to the front of the shop. She smiled warmly at the new customer and chatted for a little while. Every so often Gudrun came back with new instructions on the bread making.


    Eventually, Edge made her way into the shop. She plopped herself at the table and put her feet up on the chair across from her. She began to read the morning newspaper that was dropped off before Opal had come downstairs.


    Around noon, Gudrun turned the sign on her door and locked up shop. She glanced at the other three that had kindly invaded her space and smiled. "I think we should head back into Tolvhund today. See if we can figure out who was summoning those creatures?"


    "Excellent idea!" Edge exclaimed as she dropped the newspaper on the table and glanced at T''hih-me. "Is he still asleep?"


    "I''m awake," he responded. "This rock is just so warm and toasty." He stood slowly and turned to the group. "I''m hungry."


    "I made some bread!" Opal offered as she pulled the burnt loaf of bread from the oven.


    "You tried to make bread," Edge chuckled.


    ...


    Tolvhund was still quiet in the mid afternoon light. There were a few children testing the streets, but not many. Gudrun went to the home we had stopped in yesterday and knocked on the door. There was no answer. After a few moments she knocked once again.


    When no answer came on the second knock, Gudrun sighed. "I guess they''re not home?" She began walking away from the home. "I think we should ask some people around this part of town if they know anything."


    Opal glanced around, there was no one in sight. She followed Gudrun, Edge, and T''hih-me as they began to walk away. Gudrun stepped up to the next home and knocked once more. No answer came.


    T''hih-me glanced up at Opal, "Maybe it''s too early?"


    "It is just after lunch," Gudrun agreed. "Maybe they are out to lunch or working. We can always swing by later." Edge, T''hih-me, and Opal nodded in agreement. "Should we head to House Lind? Maybe scope the place out?"


    "I like that idea," Edge smiled. "Maybe we can..."


    "No stealing things..." Gudrun stated plainly. "We need to get a job there not rob them."


    Edge rolled her eyes, "I wasn''t going to say that."


    The scenery shifted rapidly on the walk to House Lind. The small homes quickly turned into opulent mansions with gated gardens and many guards, not all of which were regular Towns Guard. There were quite a few properties with Sword''s Brand guards as well. House Lind''s guard were almost exclusively Sword''s Brand.


    "Halt!" The guard ordered as Gudrun and Edge stepped closer to the gate. "What business do you have with House Lind?"


    Gudrun raised an eyebrow, "We saw the notice on the job board regarding guards for an event."


    "Do you have an application? References?" The guard asked dryly.


    "Well you see, we are in the process of getting those..."


    "No application, no job. No references, no job." The guard stated. "Now please move along."


    Gudrun held up her finger, "About that application, how would we get one?"


    The guard sighed heavily as he snapped his fingers toward the other guard. The quiet guard quickly dug through his pack pulling out a stack of papers. He handed the stack to the other man and then stood at attention.


    "Here," the guard sighed. "You will each need to fill one of these out and bring it back with your references."


    "Of course," Gudrun smiled politely. "Thank you." As she turned away from the men she rolled her eyes dramatically.


    They left the opulent district and began making their way back toward the Blad Ward. They had not gotten to central area of the Blad Ward the day before, today it was bustling. The district was mostly residential, and had the highest population of homeless in the entire city. Children ran through the streets, many without shoes or jackets. There was a lack of guard presence in this area, but a surprising amount of Sword''s Brand mercenaries.


    Opal watched as Gudrun interact with a few of the children. Opal couldn''t quite hear what they were discussing, but the group of children around Gudrun seemed to be growing rapidly. Opal noticed that it was catching the eyes of a few mercenaries. The children seemed to notice as well. Just as quickly as the group had formed, they scattered.


    "So all the kids agree that it is not safe about two blocks in that direction," Gudrun stated as she pointed to the north part of the district. "We should probably start there for our search."


    As they walked through the district, the Sword''s Brand seemed to be giving them looks but kept their distance. They were turning down a new street when the whistle of an arrow caught Opal''s attention. The arrow flew just passed her ear and into Gudrun''s neck. The woman dropped to the ground unconscious beside Opal.


    "Watch out!" Opal ordered catching Edge and T''hih-me''s attention. She pulled Gudrun back down the alley and held up her shield. "You''ll be ok..." She muttered as her hand glowed with a healing light over Gudrun.


    Gudrun gasped as she came to. She stood quickly, staying crouched behind Opal and the shield. She muttered some arcane words and the air around them began to spin violently. Opal watched as another arrow flew through the air, nicking Edge before hitting the wall behind them. Edge then disappeared on the roof of the nearby building. T''hih-me attempted to followed quickly leaving Opal and Gudrun on the ground.


    Opal turned to Gudrun, "Are you ok?" She tried to ask, but her voice was covered by the wind. Gudrun nodded and gave a thumbs up.


    Opal took that as a yes and climbed up onto the roof. Edge and the assassin were in a battle. As Edge fell, the assassin turned his attention to Opal, his new target. The attack hit Opal and she stumbled slightly, but held her ground. She froze as she saw T''hih-me finally making his way onto the roof beside her. The assassin''s gaze flitted back and forth deciding his next move. T''hih-me made an odd face and stuck out his tongue at the assassin. The man fell to the ground in a fit of laughter, his hood falling revealing his face. He was a Hobgoblin. Opal caught the momentary look of sadness on T''hih-me''s face. She then ran forward to Edge and her healing magic settled on the tabaxi. She jumped back up to her feet.


    Opal was preparing her next attack as she heard T''hih-me''s voice in her head, "I think he is being controlled..." Opal furrowed her brow and glanced back at T''hih-me just as Edge began to let loose on the assassin. "Non-Lethal!" T''hih-me yelled as the man''s neck snapped.


    Edge immediately began to loot the body. Opal laid a hand on the man''s head and attempted to stabilize him with her magic. She felt his neck snap back into place and let out a sigh of relief. She then began to tie the man up. If he came to, they needed him restrained.


    "What''s that?" T''hih-me asked pointing to the hobgoblin''s forehead.


    "It''s a rune," Gudrun stated as the wind around her began to calm. "Whoever put it there probably wanted some form of conrtol."


    "I was right," T''hih-me stated. "Is there a way to get rid of the rune?"


    Gudrun nodded as she pulled out her dagger. "Usually if the sigil is broken, then the magic stops." She attempted to cut the sigil, but nothing change. She furrowed her brows. "This is unlike any sigil I have seen before. Does it look like a bird to anyone else?"


    Opal glanced down and frowned. She pulled the ornate bird from her pack and set it next to Gudrun. "It looks similar, doesn''t it?"


    She glanced beteen the sigil and the bird, then nodded. "Where did you get this?"


    "I found it at the warehouse a few nights ago," she stated. "Do you think they are connected?"


    Gudrun sighed, "They might be...let me see what I can figure out about the figurine. It will take a few minutes, so it might be best to worry about it later. Let''s get this man to the authorities and collect our gold." Opal grabbed the bird figurine and nodded.


    The group carefully lowered the assassin to the ground and walked back toward the nearest guard posting. As they approached the same guard post from the day before the man sighed.


    "I don''t have your letter yet..." He grumbled.


    Gudrun smirked, "Well now you can add another feet to our letter of recommendation." She nodded toward Opal and T''hih-me. "We present Andre the Hunter." Opal and T''hih-me stepped forward with the hobgoblin tied up between them. "Your assassin problem has been dealt with."


    "Oh..." the guard''s eyes widened.


    "He was being controlled," T''hih-me added. "So someone is going to need to fix that. Then he will be all better."


    The guard nodded, "We will get him to a cleric then...Thank you." He turned and shuffled through a few drawers. "Here is your reward as promised by the flyer."


    Gudrun took the reward and began heading back toward Kjemper''s Tooth. Opal, T''hih-me, and Edge followed closely. Before they get to Idun''s Garden, Gudrun turned to Opal her keys outstretched.


    Opal frowned, "What''s that?"


    "I need to run an errand real fast," Gudrun stated. "Here are my keys, I will be right back."


    "Do you need any..." Opal stated and Gudrun shook her head. "I really don''t mind..."


    "Please go back to my shop," Gudrun stated. "I will be back soon."


    Opal nodded and took the keys. Gudrun began her walk toward the other shops in Kjemper''s Tooth. Edge had left them before they even got into the district heading to her own place for the night. Opal opened Idun''s Garden and stepped inside with T''hih-me.


    "Thank you," T''hih-me said softly as they stepped inside.


    "For what?" Opal asked.


    "Not killing the hobgoblin today," he stated a hint of sadness in his voice. "It wasn''t his fault. He should have to die for the things he did if it wasn''t his fault. It is the fault of the person that was controlling him, right?"


    Opal nodded, "I agree with you. I couldn''t let him die knowing that it was not his fault." T''hih-me stood quietly for a moment, fidgeting ever so slightly. "Is something wrong?"


    "He just reminded me of my brother Luc," T''hih-me stated sadly. "It was really hard to even fight him because..." he couldn''t finish his sentence.


    Opal stepped closer to T''hih-me. "It can be really hard to do things that remind you of family, but sometimes you have to." He nodded in agreement. "I have two little sisters." Opal stated. "Their names are Freya and Ingrid, they are 8 years old."


    T''hih-me smiled slightly, "I have sister too. Her name is Helen." He glanced down at the ground. "Umm, Opal? Can I give you a hug?" She smiled warmly and nodded.


    Their hug was quick and interrupted by the slamming of the door. They both glanced up expecting to see Gudrun. Instead they wer greeted by Edge holding a halfling woman by the collar.


    "I just want to talk, I swear..." The woman tried. Opal''s eyes widened as she realized who the woman was. The halfling spellcaster from Tyr''s Uproar. "I promise, I am just here to talk."


    "Let her go," Opal stated. Edge did no such thing. "Didn''t you say that you wanted to help them?" Opal asked. "Maybe she needs help and came to us because of what you said?"


    "Let her go, Edge." Gudrun sighed as she stepped into her shop, setting down a pile of fabrics on a stool next to the door.


    Edge finally released the woman. "Thank you," the woman sighed as she adjusted her cloak. "My name is Dagny. I am here because I need help."

 Session 4: Dagny

    ¡°My name is Dagny, and I am here because I need help.¡± The woman stated.


    Opal stepped forward, ¡°What can we do?¡±


    Dagny sighed in relief, ¡°I think that a higher up in Tyr¡¯s Uproar is selling secrets to the Sword¡¯s Brand.¡±


    ¡°That is a strong allegation,¡± Gudrun frowned. ¡°Do you have anything to go off of?¡±


    The halfling nodded, ¡°The last few missions that I have been on have been...stopped by the Sword¡¯s Brand. Many of them were top secret and no one outside the few involved had any information on them.¡± She took a breath. ¡°I think that the person feeding secrets to the Sword¡¯s Brand is a half-orc by the name of Jannsenn Grumble.¡±


    ¡°What you are asking us to do could be very dangerous,¡± Edge said. ¡°Can you give us time to think about this?¡±


    Dagny nodded, ¡°Of course. But please don¡¯t wait too long. We need to catch whoever is behind this before it is too late. Here is an address to leave secure messages.¡± With that, she excused herself from the shop and made her way quickly out of eyesight.


    ¡°I think we need to talk with Eira before we make any decisions on this,¡± Edge stated. ¡°She may have some insight into Tyr¡¯s Uproar that we are not aware of.¡±


    ¡°That is a wonderful plan,¡± Gudrun said. ¡°I have some plans tomorrow morning in the Blad Ward, but we can definitely meet at Eira¡¯s after lunch.¡± Edge nodded and was out the door before anyone could stop her.


    ¡°What are you doing in the Blad Ward tomorrow?¡± T¡¯hih-me asked.


    Gudrun smiled softly, ¡°Just some community outreach. Providing blankets, food, and other necessities to some of those children.¡±


    ¡°Can I help?¡± Opal asked.


    To her surprise Gudrun nodded, ¡°I could definitely use some help.¡±


    ...


    Spring 41 YR 331


    Opal padded down the stairs. She could hear the soft snores of T¡¯hih-me sleeping on his rock, accompanied by a soft humming from the kitchen. She stepped into the small room to see Gudrun hard at work already. She smiled up at Opal as she pulled the pot of oatmeal off the stove.


    ¡°Just finishing a batch of oatmeal,¡± she hummed. ¡°Can you package that batch over there? I just need this batch to cool for a few moments before we package it and head out.¡±


    ¡°Did you sleep at all?¡± Opal asked hesitantly.


    Gudrun paused, ¡°Of course I did. What kind of question is that?¡±


    ¡°You just...¡± Opal started, Gudrun stood with her hands on her hips. ¡°Never mind.¡± She started packaging the oatmeal. ¡°So, Gudrun...¡± the other woman glanced up to her. ¡°Can you play every instrument that you have hanging upstairs?¡±


    ¡°Of course I can,¡± she smiled. ¡°I did go to school to study music, and magic.¡± Her smile faltered slightly.


    ¡°Why do you think that the seances for T¡¯hih-me¡¯s parents went wrong?¡± She asked hesitantly.


    Gudrun sighed, ¡°You and these seance questions...¡± She took a deep breath. ¡°Because I didn¡¯t see what I normally see.¡±


    ¡°Well, what do you normally see?¡± Opal asked as she finished packaging the oatmeal and began to follow Gudrun out the front door.


    ¡°I usually see a person, or animal on occasion,¡± she stated. ¡°The image of the one that has passed on.¡±


    Opal furrowed her brow, ¡°Do you believe that you are seeing the actual spirit of the ones that have passed on?¡±


    Gudrun tilted her head and bit her lip slightly, ¡°I¡¯m not sure how to answer that one. Part of me believes that what I see is real, but the other part of me doesn¡¯t. I don¡¯t believe in ghosts, Opal.¡±


    ¡°Why did you do the seance then?¡± Opal asked as they left the district of Kjemper¡¯s Tooth and began heading toward the Blad Ward.


    ¡°Just because I don¡¯t believe, doesn¡¯t mean someone else won¡¯t.¡± She stated. ¡°Even when I told T¡¯hih-me that it didn¡¯t work he was still dead-set that it did. Why are you so interested in these seances? Are you trying to communicate with someone?¡±


    Opal¡¯s eyes widened. She couldn¡¯t tell Gudrun about her mother. Not yet at least. ¡°I am trying to learn more about my father. I have never met him. I¡¯m honestly not sure if he is alive or dead.¡±


    Gudrun nodded, ¡°Do you have anything of his? That would be helpful for the seance if he is dead.¡±


    Opal shook her head, ¡°Not that I know of.¡± The conversation began to fall as they entered the Blad Ward.


    Opal was in charge of handing out the oatmeal while Gudrun passed out blankets, shoes, and jackets to the children in need. Soon the few children turned into many children. They all thanked Opal and Gudrun as they got their food and blankets.


    ¡°They remind me of my siblings,¡± Gudrun smiled as they started to pack everything up. ¡°I am the oldest of four. There¡¯s myself, Runar, Inger, and Johannes. Our family runs a general store.¡±


    Opal glanced up in surprise, she quickly masked it. ¡°I have two little sisters, Freya and Ingrid.¡±


    ¡°So you are the oldest too?¡± Opal thought a moment and then nodded. ¡°I could sense the big sister energy.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment?¡± Opal smirked as they made their way back to Idun¡¯s Garden.


    ...


    T¡¯hih-me was still lying on the rock when they arrived. A small cube in hand. He perked up when he heard the door opening.


    ¡°Here¡¯s your hotbox!¡± He exclaimed handing the cube to Gudrun.


    The woman froze, glancing between T¡¯hih-me and the cube. ¡°That is not what it is called.¡± She stated. ¡°I don¡¯t want to ask...but do you know what a hotbox is?¡±


    ¡°A box that makes things hot, of course.¡± T¡¯hih-me stated. ¡°This is box that makes things hot. So it is a hotbox.¡±Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Gudrun closed her eyes setting the pot and ladle down on the counter. ¡°No, T¡¯hih-me. That is the cube.¡±


    Opal giggled as she listened to Gudrun attempt to explain a hotbox to T¡¯hih-me. She took the pot back into the kitchen to start working on the dishes. After a few moments she heard the door to Gudrun¡¯s store open. She glanced out into the store room to see Edge.


    ¡°I think we should head to the docks to find those children,¡± she stated by way of greeting. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be any worse than the hell hounds or an assassin.¡±


    ¡°How are we going to get the creatures though?¡± Gudrun asked. ¡°The report says that they are flying creatures. Last time I checked, none of us have flying abilities.¡±


    ¡°We can use these,¡± Edge smiled as she held up two nets. ¡°They were T¡¯hih-me¡¯s idea. He came up with it while you two were out doing your community service.¡±


    The entire walk to the docks, Opal was thinking up ways to stay as far away from the water as possible. She wanted to help the people of Port Lysren, but she was also terrified of water.


    ...


    The dock was nearly deserted when they arrived. For a major port city, that was unusual. They approached the dock master as he finished his rounds. He furrowed his brow glancing the group over quickly.


    ¡°Are you here to deal with the creature?¡± He asked. ¡°You all don¡¯t look like much.¡±


    Gudrun nodded, ¡°We are here to help in taking care of the creature. Anyone know what type of creature it is?¡±


    ¡°It can fly,¡± the man stated. ¡°Pulled a kid out over the water and then pulled her down.¡± Opal gulped. ¡°Not afraid of a little water are ya, lass?¡± The man chuckled. ¡°It was last seen down that way. That entire area of the dock has been restricted since the last attack.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Gudrun nodded as she led the group forward.


    Opal hesitantly followed. She took a few deep calming breaths as they continued to inch closer and closer to the water. She was focusing on her breathing and didn¡¯t notice the rustling in the trash bin next to her.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± T¡¯hih-me yelled as the creature sprung out of the trash bin lunging directly for Opal.


    Opal turned, shield at the ready, but the creature bypassed her and went straight for T¡¯hih-me. The creature was composed of a brain like structure with a beak and tentacles. She swung at the creature barely hitting the soft, squishy brain like portion as it wrapped T¡¯hih-me in its tentacles and flew high into the air.


    ¡°What the fuck is that thing?¡± Edge yelled.


    ¡°Language!¡± T¡¯hih-me called from above them.


    Edge glanced at Opal then up to T¡¯hih-me. ¡°I need a boost!¡± She exclaimed as she ran full speed toward Opal.


    Opal had meer seconds to prepare. She placed her hands open over her knee and then pushed Edge into the air above her. Edge then threw one of the nets, missing the creature by a hair. She cursed as she landed on the ground.


    The creature above was moving quickly over the water. Then suddenly the creature stopped and began to plummet. Opal¡¯s heart hammered in her chest as she watched T¡¯hih-me fall into the water, chainmail and all.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got to get to him!¡± Gudrun exclaimed as she jumped in the icy water.


    ¡°Here¡¯s a rope!¡± Opal yelled as she threw one end of the rope to Gudrun and she held tight to the other.


    T¡¯hih-me made it to the edge of the dock without help. He looked exhausted, but he was going to be alright. Opal grabbed him by the collar and helped to pull him back onto the dock. She then helped Gudrun out of the water as well.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± T¡¯hih-me shivered.


    Gudrun began to dry off quickly as she used her magics. She turned to T¡¯hih-me and tried to help him warm up a bit. ¡°We should head back to my shop. Is the creature dead?¡±


    T¡¯hih-me nodded, ¡°I got it.¡±


    ¡°You did good buddy,¡± Opal smiled and the young man smiled.


    ¡°So she can call you buddy, but I can¡¯t?¡± Gudrun asked.


    T¡¯hih-me nodded, ¡°You don¡¯t say it like Opal does.¡±


    Gudrun rolled her eyes and began making her way back to her shop. The group followed close behind. Opal paused as they were passing by the Job Board.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to get us some food,¡± she stated. ¡°I can find my way back on my own.¡±


    T¡¯hih-me frowned, ¡°Are you sure?¡± He shivered again, ¡°I can help you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m positive,¡± Opal replied. ¡°You need to get warmed up. I¡¯ll be right behind you.¡± T¡¯hih-me nodded hesitantly and followed Gudrun and Edge back to the shop.


    Opal quickly picked up a few orders of soup and a bread bowl before making her way back to Kemper¡¯s Tooth. She passed by Idun¡¯s Garden and made her way into the Olde Krone. She coughed at the smoke and aroma that floated toward her as she entered.


    The door jingled and when Opal glanced up she was face to face with the eladrin, Fala. ¡°Can I...help you?¡± They asked as they glanced over Opal.


    ¡°Well,¡± Opal didn¡¯t want Fala to know the real reason she was here. ¡°Gudrun sent me to get herbs for her shop.¡±


    Fala¡¯s brow lifted, ¡°Oh really? What type of herbs did she send you for?¡±


    Opal thought hard, ¡°You know the ones that she uses for herself...¡± Fala smiled softly. ¡°Ok, ok...she didn¡¯t send me. I wanted to get her a gift for allowing me to stay in her home.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Fala smiled. ¡°I think I have the perfect herb for this situation.¡± They made their way over to a nearby shelf. They came back with a small bundle of herbs in hand. ¡°Now don¡¯t use it all at once. Or do.¡± Their smile widened ever so slightly. ¡°Anything else I can do for you?¡±


    ¡°Do you sell candles?¡± Opal asked.


    Fala nodded and handed over a single candle. ¡°Enjoy,¡± with that Fala was gone.


    Opal quickly tucked the herbs and candle into her pouch and walked back over to Idun¡¯s Garden. She stepped inside to find T¡¯hih-me sprawled out on the warm rock. The young man didn¡¯t even move when she stepped into the room.


    ¡°You hungry?¡± Opal asked and T¡¯hih-me sat up. ¡°I got you a bread bowl.¡± He followed her over to the table. She served them both and took her seat. ¡°Where¡¯s Edge and Gudrun?¡±


    ¡°Edge went home,¡± he stated between bites. ¡°And Gudrun went to take a bath.¡± He said through a mouthful of food. ¡°Opal,¡± he started. ¡°Are you afraid of water?¡± Her eyes widened. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with being afraid of something.¡±


    Opal took a deep breath, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to swim.¡± Her shoulders sagged ever so slightly. ¡°I almost drowned in a lake when I was little. My mother saved my life.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you will learn how to swim one day,¡± T¡¯hih-me smiled warmly. ¡°Hey, I wanted to show you something!¡± He quickly changed the subject. He set his orb on the table in front of her, allowing her to see it in full for the first time.


    The orb was a crystalline sphere with a rainbow bismuth inside. As the light hit it just right the rainbows shimmered. Opal gazed at it in aww.


    ¡°Where did you get that?¡± She asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always had it,¡± he stated. ¡°It was a gift from my dad.¡± He quickly took it back into his hand. ¡°That¡¯s why I think Gudrun¡¯s seance worked...because she said she saw rainbows. When I see my dad, this is what I see.¡± He glanced back down at the orb.


    ¡°T¡¯hih-me,¡± Gudrun sighed as she stepped into the room, ¡°like I¡¯ve said before. The seances do not work to talk with the living.¡±


    ¡°Well I think it worked,¡± T¡¯hih-me stated as he stepped away from the table, making his way back over to the rock.


    Gudrun glanced at Opal, ¡°Thank you for picking up dinner.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do,¡± she smiled. ¡°Thank you for letting us stay in your home.¡± She took her leave from the table.


    Opal made her way up to the bedroom. She doffed her armor and changed into her nightclothes. She sat on her bedroll and quickly set her shield in front of her. Her mother¡¯s shield. She dug through her pack to find the herbs and candle.


    She glanced around the room and then lit the candle. She pulled a few herbs from the bundle, about the same amount she had seen Gudrun use the night before, and lit them. She did the same motions and went through the process she had witnessed Gudrun do before.


    ¡°Mother,¡± she whispered. ¡°Mother, I need you. I need your...¡± She felt a little woozy. ¡°I need your guidance.¡±


    She watched the smoke dance around her fingers and over her shield. Warmth filling her body as she took a few deep breaths.


    ¡°Opal!¡± Gudrun exclaimed. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Opal couldn¡¯t seem to respond as she continued to smile while the smoke curled around her fingers. ¡°Did you go to Fala¡¯s? You must have!¡±


    ¡°Not Fala¡¯s fault...¡± Opal muttered. Gudrun crouched down in front of Opal and shook the young woman¡¯s shoulders. ¡°That¡¯s not nice....¡± she stammered a frown settling on her face.


    ¡°Alright...¡± Gudrun sighed. ¡°Time for bed.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m not done...¡± Opal whined.


    Gudrun laughed angrily, ¡°Come on, up. Time for bed.¡± She yanked the younger woman up from the ground, pulling the herbs from her hand in the process and putting them out. ¡°Get in bed.¡±


    ¡°Who has the big sister energy now....¡± Opal grumbled as she crawled into Gudrun¡¯s bed and passed out.


    ...


    Spring 42 YR 331


    Opal awoke the next morning to loud explosion from outside the shop. She ran downstairs to see T¡¯hih-me and Gudrun rushing outside with buckets of water. She quickly grabbed another bucket to help put out the flames. Others of Kjemper¡¯s Tooth were out with buckets trying to put out the flames behind Fala¡¯s shop.


    Once the flames died down, Opal, Gudrun, and T¡¯hih-me were left examining the scene. Gudrun stopped in her tracks when she saw the charred body of a halfling woman lying in the alley.

 Session 5: House Lind

    Opal glanced out the window to see Gudrun gazing into the alley where they had found Dagny. She had no clue how Gudrun had known it was Dagny, besides the general size, the body was unrecognizable.


    ¡°Do you think Dagny was trying to warn us about something?¡± T¡¯hih-me asked as he stepped up to the window.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± she sighed. ¡°There are lots of reasons she may have been in Kjemper¡¯s Tooth.¡±


    ¡°I think the kid is right,¡± Edge stated. ¡°What if the guy in Tyr¡¯s Uproar had figured out she was onto him? What if he set her up, and us in the process?¡±


    Opal sighed, ¡°I think Gudrun¡¯s shop would be destroyed if that was the case.¡± She glanced at the other two and then back out the window. ¡°I think Dagny may have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Gudrun said that she was missing a ring. Maybe it was just some thugs that wanted a pretty piece of jewelry?¡± Opal felt her necklace cool against her skin. Something was off, but she couldn¡¯t tell what.


    ¡°A random hit?¡± Edge shook her head. ¡°No, that was a planned attack. Someone knows that she was looking into something.¡±


    They were lost in conversation and didn¡¯t hear Gudrun step back into the shop. ¡°We need to go see Eira. She could write us a really nice reference letter to get into that House Lind contract.¡±


    ...


    Dean smiled as he opened the door for the group. He escorted them back to the dining room where Eira sat at the head of the table reading over the recent newspaper.


    ¡°Well,¡± she glanced up eyeing the group, ¡°to what do I owe this pleasure?¡±


    Gudrun smiled warmly, ¡°We have been trying to get letters of recommendation for a job in town.¡±


    ¡°And what job might that be?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Are you aware of the party being hosted by House Lind?¡± Gudrun asked, Eira nodded. ¡°Well they are requesting guards and extra hands to help with the party.¡±


    Eira raised a brow, ¡°That would be most beneficial to be that close to so many affluent households. While I did receive an invite, I do not wish to attend myself. Too many people I wish not to associate with.¡±


    ¡°Understandable,¡± Edge stated.


    Eira glanced toward the a smile growing, ¡°What do you all know of House Lind?¡±


    Gudrun shrugged, ¡°Not much. I have heard that Ms. Lind is a fashionista, but that is about it.¡±


    Eira nodded, ¡°You have heard correctly then my dear. Miss Asta Lind is quite the fashionista, often setting the most absurd trends among those in her ward. There is not a lot of other gossip regarding their estate, but I would not be surprised to find that they are involved with something nefarious in the city.¡±


    Eira waved down Dean. ¡°Can you get me a quill and four sheets of parchment? These lovely individuals need references for a job.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Gudrun smiled. ¡°We greatly appreciate this. Is there anything that we can do for you?¡±


    ¡°If you hear anything of interest at this party, please let me know.¡± She smiled as she signed the last of the letters. ¡°Here you are. If you need anything else, you know where to find me.¡±


    Dean escorted the group back out to the foyer. He smiled at them as he opened the front door and ushered them out.


    ¡°Well that was easier than I expected,¡± Edge stated as they stepped onto the street. ¡°Do you think the letter¡¯s from Eira will be enough?¡±


    Opal shrugged, ¡°I mean we also should be receiving the letters from the town guard soon too. I think between the two letters we should be good.¡±


    ¡°The letters from the Town Guard came in this morning with the paper,¡± Gudrun stated. ¡°With all the commotion this morning I must have forgotten to say anything.¡± She pulled the letters from her bag and handed them over. ¡°We should stop by House Lind to turn in our applications. Hopefully they are still taking them.¡±


    ...


    Opal glanced at the job duty that she had been given. There was a list of required dress for the guards and then waitstaff. Opal, T¡¯hih-me, and Edge had been designated as guards while Gudrun was given a job as waitstaff.


    ¡°I should probably get back to my shop,¡± Gudrun sighed. ¡°I have had quite a few days of interrupt time. My customers may be getting concerned.¡± She glanced at T¡¯hih-me and Opal, ¡°You all are welcome to help me at my shop if you¡¯d like.¡±


    T¡¯hih-me glanced at Opal then back to Gudrun, ¡°Nah, we will go do some sight seeing.¡±


    Gudrun furrowed her brow, ¡°Well alright. If you need anything you know where to find me.¡± She glanced at Edge. ¡°Do you have other plans for the afternoon?¡±


    ¡°I may go scout out the taverns, see if I can pick up on some town gossip.¡± She stated. ¡°I¡¯ll meet back up with you guys later tonight. Dinner at Gudrun¡¯s?¡±


    Opal and T¡¯hih-me nodded in agreement. Gudrun glanced at the other three a frown on her face. She then turned and head back towards Kjemper¡¯s Tooth, alone. Edge was gone a moment later leaving T¡¯hih-me and Opal together in an unfamiliar city.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Gudrun likes me very much,¡± Opal sighed.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be true!¡± T¡¯hih-me stated. ¡°You¡¯re like a guardian angel!¡± Opal could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. ¡°You¡¯re my guardian angel.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, T¡¯hih-me.¡± Opal stammered. ¡°I just...I¡¯m not so sure that Gudrun sees me the way you do.¡±


    T¡¯hih-me frowned, ¡°I don¡¯t think she likes me either.¡±


    Opal glanced over, ¡°Maybe we should stay at the inn for a few nights, give Gudrun her space back? Do you think that would help ease the tension?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a great idea!¡± T¡¯thih-me smiled.


    They walked through town together and got rooms at the inn up until the night of the party at House Lind. Giving Gudrun a few days of peace in her own home seemed like a wonderful idea. Until they had to tell Gudrun that they were giving her the peace.


    ¡°What do you mean you got rooms?¡± Gudrun asked, her voice rising in pitch. ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No, not all...¡± Opal stammered. ¡°We just thought you might need some space.¡±


    Gudrun took in a deep breath, ¡°You all are welcome in my home, for as long as you need a place to stay.¡±


    ¡°We just don¡¯t think you like us very much...¡± T¡¯hih-me stated. Opal¡¯s eyes shifted toward him quickly and her face flushed.


    Gudrun¡¯s jaw dropped. She stood staring at them for a moment and then turned away muttering in goblin as she went out to Henry¡¯s stall.


    ¡°Did I say something?¡± T¡¯hih-me asked as he caught Opal¡¯s look. ¡°Oops, I said something didn¡¯t I?¡±


    Opal rubbed her temples, ¡°T¡¯hih-me...the thought that we think Gudrun doesn¡¯t like us is an inside thought. Not an outside thought.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s an inside thought?¡± He asked. Opal was about to answer when T¡¯hih-me¡¯s brow furrowed and he glanced toward the stall. ¡°Henry is magical?¡±


    Opal frowned, ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Can you see magic?¡± He asked.


    Opal thought a moment and then closed her eyes, her right hand resting over her necklace as she attempted reached into her well of divine magic to sense others. A soft sea foam green light radiated from her briefly.


    ¡°It went away,¡± T¡¯hih-me frowned. ¡°That¡¯s weird. What did you do to make the magic go away?¡±


    Opal frowned, ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything to make magic go away.¡±


    ¡°What did you two do to Gudrun?¡± Edge stomped into the room.


    ¡°Why do you assume we did something to Gudrun?¡± Opal asked.


    Edge huffed, ¡°She¡¯s mad. That¡¯s why.¡± Edge eyed the two in the shop her eyes darting between them.


    Opal sighed, ¡°We got rooms at the inn...¡±


    ¡°And?¡± Edge asked. ¡°That can¡¯t be it.¡±


    ¡°I told her that we thought she didn¡¯t like us very much,¡± T¡¯hih-me stated.


    Edge stared at them blankly, ¡°You guys should probably head on over to the inn. Gudrun may need some time to cool down.¡± Edge walked them over to the front door. ¡°We will meet up tomorrow around lunch time. Meet back here, ok?¡± They nodded as she closed the door behind them.


    ...


    Spring 43 YR 331


    Opal sat in her room at the inn reading through the books on local heroes and Kauhean heroes. She flipped through page after page. Neither book seemed to have anything on her mother. She sighed as she stuffed the books back into her pack and donned her armor. It was time to meet T¡¯hih-me. THey had planned to go on a quick shopping trip to find a peace offering for Gudrun.


    They met in the tavern and walked across the street. There were many merchants in this part of town, it reminded Opal of Kauhea. She felt like she could turn a corner and be back standing in front of the Mistguard¡¯s stall. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    By the time lunch rolled around, they had found the clothing attire needed for Gudrun, Opal, and Edge but were struggling to find attire for T¡¯hih-me. They made their way back to Idun¡¯s Garden with their shopping bags in hand.


    Gudrun was helping a customer as they walked in. She offered a slight smile and then nodded toward the table in the corner of the room. Edge was already waiting with her feet resting on the opposite chair. Opal set her bags on the table and then took a seat. She noticed a few empty bottles of wine in the trash bin in the corner.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask,¡± Edge whispered as she caught Opal¡¯s gaze.


    Opal nodded in understanding as she began digging through the shopping bags. ¡°We found all the attire that we need for the party...well except for T¡¯hih-me¡¯s.¡± She sighed, ¡°None of the stores we went to had clothing for his size.¡±


    ¡°I can help with that,¡± Gudrun smiled as she made her way over from behind the counter. ¡°There are a few stores in the area that sell clothing for smallfolk. I can take T¡¯hih-me to an outfit later this afternoon.¡±


    Opal nodded, ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of plans,¡± Edge sighed. ¡°I need to head out. I have work that needs to be done.¡±


    Gudrun huffed, ¡°Were you just here to get lunch?¡±


    Edge nodded with a smirk, ¡°Can¡¯t really do anything else until we go to this party, may as well make some money before then.¡± With that she was out the door.


    Gudrun glanced back to Opal and T¡¯hih-me, ¡°You all really didn¡¯t have to get rooms at the inn.¡±


    ¡°We wanted you to have your space back,¡± Opal tried and Gudrun shook her head. ¡°We got rooms up until the night of the party.¡±


    Gudrun shook her head, ¡°I really am fine with you two staying here. I do not mind in the slightest.¡±


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t waste the money we spent on the rooms,¡± T¡¯hih-me offered. ¡°We will come back after the party.¡±


    Gudrun nodded, ¡°Fair enough.¡± She turned her attention back to the door. ¡°We should probably go get the clothes for T¡¯hih-me.¡±


    ...


    Spring 45 YR 331


    Opal sat in the inn, her feet dangling off the bed as she wrote in her journal. The last few days had been filled with errands and odd jobs around Gudrun¡¯s shop. They were slowly building relationships with both Edge and Gudrun.


    A light knock on the door pulled her out of her journal. She quickly shoved it away before opening the door. T¡¯hih-me stood on the other side dressed in his new clothes for the party. He did a quick turn and smiled.


    ¡°How do I look?¡± He asked.


    ¡°Like the best hired guard the Linds could ask for!¡± She smiled as the boy blushed. ¡°I think it is time to head over to Gudrun¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you going to help her with her hair?¡± T¡¯hih-me asked.


    She nodded, ¡°I offered to braid it before the party.¡± She quickly grabbed her things from the bed and followed T¡¯hih-me out the door. ¡°We should be quick. I¡¯m not sure how long it is going to take me to braid Gudrun¡¯s hair.¡±


    They made their way quickly down to Idun¡¯s Garden in Kjemper¡¯s Tooth. The shop had already been closed for the remainder of the day, but they could see Gudrun through the shop window. She waved them in a smile on her face.


    ¡°You guys are cutting it close,¡± she smirked. ¡°I still need to get my hair done and change.¡±


    ¡°Let me help you with your hair,¡± Opal smiled.


    Gudrun hesitated ever so slightly, ¡°Of course. That will make it go faster won¡¯t it.¡± She took a seat in a nearby chair and straightened.


    Opal quickly began working on the long auburn hair. Memories flooded back to her as she continued to work.


    ...


    ¡°Ouch!¡±Ingrid cried. ¡°Iskra you are pulling my hair!¡± The girl had tears streaming down her cheeks.


    ¡°You said that you wanted your hair to look like Mama¡¯s,¡± she sighed. ¡°If you want it to look like Mama¡¯s I have to braid it night and tight.¡±


    The girl huffed and crossed her arms, ¡°Thyra doesn¡¯t pull my hair...¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Opal put her arms down, ¡°I¡¯m not Thyra. If you want Thyra to braid your hair you are going to have to wait.¡±


    Ingrid frowned, ¡°I want you to braid my hair...but stop pulling my head back. It hurts.¡±


    Opal chuckled as she continued to braid Ingrid¡¯s hair. Freya came bounding into the room her loose waves flowing behind her. She sat in front of her twin and gazed up at Opal.


    ¡°Iskra?¡± The girl smiled, ¡°Can you braid my hair next?¡±


    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t complain like Ingrid...¡± she smirked as the girl in her lap squirmed. ¡°Sure, I will braid your hair. Where is Thyra?¡±


    Freya sighed loudly, ¡°She is in the reading room. It¡¯s her quiet time, I¡¯m not supposed to bother her unless its an emergency.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± she smiled. ¡°Well I am almost done with Ingrid¡¯s hair then I can do yours.¡±


    ...


    Opal smiled at the finished braid. Gudrun¡¯s auburn hair was much longer than her own, or that of her sisters¡¯. It had taken more time than she anticipated. Once she finished Gudrun stood quickly.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she smiled warmly, ¡°we should head out!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you need to change first?¡± T¡¯hih-me asked.


    She glanced down, ¡°Oh...you¡¯re right T¡¯hih-me. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Gudrun was back in a few short moments, ready for the party. She led the way out of her shop and toward House Lind. The walk was quiet and they were accompanied by many other individuals wearing similar uniforms.


    ¡°Guards this way!¡± An attendant called. ¡°Waitstaff enter at the other door.¡± Gudrun took her leave as the other three followed the guards down to the courtyard.


    ¡°Guard posting and assignments are listed on the wall!¡± The man called.


    Opal, T¡¯hih-me, and Edge rushed forward to see their postings. Edge scoffed and walked away, her fur bristling. Opal found Edge¡¯s name on the list and chuckled, bathroom attendant. She continued to search the list for her own name. Finally, she found it. She was stationed in a corner of the reception hall. T¡¯hih-me was listed to be stationed on the opposite corner from her.


    ¡°Now,¡± the guard leader started, ¡°I hope you have all become acquainted to your duty station. It will be necessary for you to remain in your place for the night, until you are dismissed. If you see any funny business you let one of the hire ups in your area know. They will check in with you throughout the night. Let¡¯s make this a great one!¡±


    With that the guards dispersed and headed to their designated locations. Opal noticed quickly that all the ¡°hire ups¡± just so happened to be Sword¡¯s Brand Mercenaries. She furrowed her brow. She suddenly felt very vulnerable without her typical armor and shield.


    Once all the guards were in place, the party began. Opal kept a watchful eye on the area of the hall she could see. She watched as groups of men and women exchanged pleasantries, some began business deals, and others danced the night away. As the night passed she noticed that more and more individuals seemed ¡°underdressed¡±, but not a single person seemed to care. In fact those that were underdressed seemed to be getting the most attention, but they were looked at in high regard as if their status was better than the others in attendance.


    Opal hid her yawn as the music suddenly shifted. The rooms attention was drawn to the marvelous staircase at the front of the room.


    ¡°Guests,¡± a voice boomed, ¡°please welcome our most gracious host, Miss Asta Lind!¡±


    Opal blinked and then blinked again. The woman walking down the steps was naked. All except for a pair of bright red ballet slippers. The woman smiled as she danced out into the room. Her dark loose waves, flowing behind her. The light seemed to follow her as she moved through the room.


    Opal glanced away quickly, trying to avert her gaze as much as possible. As she glanced about the room her eyes landed on a dwarven man with mutton chops sauntering over to Miss Lind. His pace was quick, but not hurried. She watched as he held out his hand to her, a beautiful ring of opalescent color with a jagged edge on a silver band.


    Her necklace cooled against her skin. ¡°That ring is important.¡± She thought as her body began to move from her station.


    ¡°Opal,¡± she turned quickly to see Gudrun at her side with a fresh plate of hors d¡¯oeuvres. ¡°Did you see that dwarven man?¡± She nodded. ¡°I think he was hired by House Lind. Keep an eye on him.¡±


    Opal nodded. She continued to watch from her corner for the rest of the night. She did not notice anything particularly interesting. Her mind kept being pulled back to the ring. She had never seen another piece like hers before. Her mind wandered and soon enough the party was coming to a close.


    Once the guards were released she quickly found her friends and began walking back toward Idun¡¯s Garden. As they walked through Kjemper¡¯s Tooth, Gudrun and T¡¯hih-me argued about whether or not Henry the goat was indeed magical.


    Before entering the building Opal closed her eyes and let her magic flow through the area. She felt the ping of a celestial being from Henry¡¯s pen.


    ¡°Henry is celestial?¡± Opal questioned as she stepped into the room.


    T¡¯hih-me and Gudrun turned quickly, ¡°No, Henry is just a goat.¡± Gudrun frowned. ¡°Why would you feed into this nonsense?¡± She glanced at Opal. ¡°Goats are not celestials.¡±


    ¡°T¡¯hih-me,¡± Opal asked, ¡°can you tell what type of magic Henry is?¡±


    ¡°None, right now.¡± He sighed. ¡°And I don¡¯t remember what it was last time. I couldn¡¯t get a bead on it because it disappeared too quick.¡±


    Gudrun sighed loudly, ¡°Did anyone see anything interesting at the party?¡±


    ¡°Just a lot of women needing to use the restroom...¡± Edge sighed.


    ¡°But that is the perfect place for gossip!¡± Gudrun exclaimed. ¡°Did you hear anything while guarding the restroom?¡±


    Edge shrugged, ¡°A lot of ladies wearing limited clothing.¡± She frowned, ¡°someone mentioned that Miss Lind herself came in wearing nothing at all.¡± She glanced at her friends, ¡°I¡¯m guessing that was true?¡±


    Gudrun nodded and turned her attention to T¡¯hih-me, ¡°Did you see anything?¡±


    He shrugged, ¡°Just that Miss Lind¡¯s shoes were enchanted.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll put a pin in that one,¡± she stated. ¡°Opal, how about you?¡±


    She nodded, ¡°I saw a dwarven man giving a ring to Miss Lind. It has to be a very important ring.¡±


    ¡°It was Dagny¡¯s ring,¡± Gudrun stated. ¡°We need to get it back.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± OPal stated. ¡°I have never seen a ring like it before but I have a necklace that...¡± As she continued she watched as Gudrun¡¯s face paled and her eyes widened in fear. ¡°Gudrun are you ok?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± She smiled. ¡°So we should get that ring and then we can go from there.¡±


    ¡°Gudrun,¡± Opal started, ¡°you do not look fine...¡±


    She sighed her voice catching, ¡°I¡¯m just tired is all. I guess a night as a waitstaff took it out of me.¡±


    Opal glanced at the other two and then pulled Gudrun aside and down the hall. ¡°What is going on Gudrun? Why are you scared? Is it me?¡±


    Gudrun took in a shaky breath, ¡°Have you ever fought a terrifying creature with horns and claws?¡± She seemed to recoil from Opal and then she fell.


    ¡°Gudrun?¡± Opal knelt over her. ¡°Gudrun, wake up?¡± She shook the woman¡¯s unconscious frame attempting to let her healing magic flow between them, but nothing seemed to work. ¡°T¡¯hih-me! Edge! Someone, help!¡±


    The other two ran into the hall quickly, ¡°What did you do to her?¡± Edge snarled.


    ¡°Nothing I swear!¡± She tried to heal her again. ¡°My magic isn¡¯t working!¡± She was beginning to panic and then an idea washed over her. ¡°T¡¯hih-me, you need to save her. Use whatever magic your father gave you.¡±


    T¡¯hih-me slammed his orb of power over Gudrun¡¯s chest and a shimmery multicolored shield appeared. Gudrun gasped for breath. Opal helped the woman into sitting position and healed her. This time her magic washed over Gudrun and the woman awoke. She shuddered in Opal¡¯s arms. Opal set her against the wall and took a few steps back.


    ¡°What just happened?¡± Opal asked as tears were building in her eyes. ¡°Did I do that?¡±


    Gudrun shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t think so...¡± She sighed glancing around the room quickly. ¡°Opal, you have something attached to you. Something dark. The creature has long claws and horns. It seems to want something that you have.¡± She instinctively reached for her necklace and Gudrun nodded. ¡°If it is not trying to go for your necklace, it is just pacing around you.¡±


    Opal frowned. ¡°So I did do this...¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s T¡¯hih-me?¡± Gudrun asked.


    ¡°Give me the hotbox,¡± T¡¯hih-me demanded as tears slipped down his cheeks.


    Opal reached up and grabbed the cube from it¡¯s place in the ceiling and handed it to the boy. He disappeared up the steps toward Gudrun¡¯s room. Opal continued toward the break table her heart pounding. She sat in silence for quite some time as she tried to gather her thoughts.


    ¡°How did you get the necklace?¡± Edge asked softly as she took a seat next to Opal.


    ¡°My mother gave it to me,¡± she stated. ¡°A long time ago.¡±


    ¡°Maybe your mother knows about this creature?¡± Edge offered.


    Opal¡¯s chin began to quiver, ¡°Can¡¯t exactly ask her about it now.¡± Tears began spilling over. ¡°She¡¯s dead.¡±


    Gudrun took the seat across from Opal, ¡°Mother¡¯s don¡¯t give bad gifts.¡± She reached out a hand toward Opal, but she shied away.


    A hurried knock on the door pulled them away from the conversation. Opal rubbed the tears from her cheeks and quickly made her way to the door. She glanced out the window as Edge called, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    A slumped figure greeted her. She opened the door quickly and Dean¡¯s lifeless body fell into the room. Opal knelt down trying to heal him, but nothing seemed to work. He was dead.


    ¡°T¡¯hih-me!¡± Edge called up the stairs. ¡°We got to go!¡± No answer came. ¡°T¡¯hih-me!¡± Again no answer.


    Opal watched as Edge marched up the stairs. She came back down a few moments later with T¡¯hih-me by the scruff of his neck.


    ¡°I can walk on my own,¡± he huffed as she released him.


    ¡°We need to get to Eira¡¯s, now!¡± She exclaimed. ¡°Dean must have been trying to warn us about something.¡±


    T¡¯hih-me¡¯s eyes widened in horror as he saw the body in the middle of the floor. He nodded towards Edge and they were out the door.


    Opal followed the others into the dark night. They made there way to Eira¡¯s home as quickly as they could. The front door was ajar and the house was already cold. They made their way upstairs quickly and found a single room open. Eira lay in her bed her hand clutched and frozen around something. A note sitting on her chest that read:


    ¡°Cat got your tongue? Best to stay silent and stay out of this.¡± -O.R.

 Session 6: The Butcher

    Opal watched as Edge pried open Eira¡¯s frozen hand. Her fingers shattered dropping a brass key to the floor below her. Edge grabbed it quickly. And began shoving it into every keyhole in the room. Finally, the key fit.


    ¡°She really didn¡¯t want O.R. to get into this drawer,¡±Edge stated as she pulled the desk drawer open revealing a set of rolled up maps.


    ¡°I should look around to see if there are any other items,¡± Gudrun stated. ¡°Personal items help me contact those in the afterlife.¡± Opal rolled her eyes as Gudrun stepped into the dead tabaxi¡¯s closet.


    T¡¯hih-me stood uncomfortably in the doorway. His hair was still wet from his bath, frost had set on the ends. Opal approached cautiously and the young man didn¡¯t seem to notice.


    ¡°We should get out of here,¡± she stated to no one in particular. ¡°We don¡¯t want to be here when the town guard shows up.¡±


    ¡°If they show up,¡± Edge sighed. ¡°But I agree, I think we have found everything of importance.¡± She pulled on the back of Gudrun¡¯s shawl. ¡°No more looting.¡±


    ¡°I am not looting,¡± Gudrun glared. ¡°I¡¯m just salvaging some very fine fabric...¡± Edge raised her eyebrows as she began walking back toward the stairs.


    They made their way back to Idun¡¯s Garden as quickly as they could. Edge was keeping an eye on their surroundings as they made their way closer to the shop. Gudrun quickly ushered the group into her shop and shut the door tight, the sound of the lock ringing through the quiet room.


    ¡°We need to talk to Dean,¡±Gudrun stated. ¡°We can ask five questions.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean talk to Dean?¡± Opal asked. ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡±


    Gudrun rubbed her temples, ¡°Have you not realized that my magics let me speak with the dead?¡± She sighed. ¡°Come on, circle up. We should think of the five questions before we ask them.¡±


    T¡¯hih-me took a seat where Gudrun had said to. ¡°We should ask who O.R. is,¡± he offered. ¡°That seems important.¡±


    Edge nodded in agreement, ¡°I think that is the most important question right now. Maybe why Eira was targeted?¡±


    ¡°Opal?¡± Gudrun glanced at the young woman.


    ¡°We should ask if he had any final wishes, or if he had family.¡± She frowned. ¡°They should be told of his passing if so.¡±


    Gudrun nodded in agreement, ¡°Ok. Let¡¯s get this over with.¡± The group took their seats in a half circle around Dean¡¯s body that was currently slumped against a wall.


    As Gudrun chanted a dark shadowy mist coiled around Dean, seeping into his body and then suddenly his eyes opened and he coughed. The man looked around hesitantly, his brow furrowing.


    ¡°Dean, you died.¡± Gudrun stated. ¡°We are going to ask you a few questions.¡±


    ¡°Who is O.R?¡± Edge asked quickly.


    Dean¡¯s gaze shifted to hers, ¡°The Don. Robeson. I do not know the first name.¡±


    ¡°Do you know why he went after Eira?¡± T¡¯hih-me asked and Dean pointed to the rolled up maps in Gudrun¡¯s hands.


    ¡°She was medaling in things she should not have,¡± he stated his voice gravely.


    Gudrun glanced at Opal a soft nod in her direction, ¡°Dean, do you have any family?¡±


    He shook his head sadly, ¡°Eira was the closest thing I had to family.¡±


    ¡°Where can we find the Don?¡± Gudrun asked quickly.


    He shrugged, ¡°We think those maps will lead you to him.¡±


    ¡°Do you have any final wishes?¡± T¡¯hih-me asked.


    Dean was quiet a moment, ¡°Finish what Eira started. Take down the Sword¡¯s Brand.¡± With his final words the mist dissipated around his body.


    The four glanced at each other, Opal was not sure what the next move would be. Gudrun stood quickly and began to leave the room. She glanced back toward the other three, a tired sigh escaping her mouth.


    ¡°You all are welcome to stay,¡± she said, ¡°I am going to bed.¡±


    ¡°Should we keep a watch?¡± Edge asked but Gudrun waved her off. ¡°Opal, T¡¯hih-me what do you guys think?¡± T¡¯hih-me was already snoring on his rock. ¡°Opal?¡±


    ¡°I think I have a better idea,¡± she smiled softly. ¡°It will take me a few minutes but I think this might work.¡±


    Opal began to meditate in the middle of Gudrun¡¯s shop. Edge kept asking questions, but Opal was too deep in thought. After a few minutes her friend appeared in a puff of snow before them.


    ¡°Gisli!¡± Opal exclaimed as she rushed to the bear, hugging its neck tightly. ¡°It is so good to see you my friend!¡± The bear nuzzled into Opal¡¯s neck with a soft huff.


    ¡°Whoa...¡± Edge muttered. ¡°Gudrun is not going to like this.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get Gisli out of the shop before Gudrun wakes up,¡± she smiled. ¡°But she can be our watch for the night. I¡¯ll sleep down here. Gisli if you see anyone trying to get into the shop, wake me up, ok?¡± The bear huffed with a nod and sat on her haunches glancing between the doors and windows.


    ¡°You sure it will work?¡± Edge asked.


    ¡°Never failed me before,¡± Opal smiled. ¡°Gisli is the best.¡± She smiled as she patted Gisli¡¯s neck.


    ...


    Opal yawned as she did her morning stretches with Gisli. The bear mimicked Opal¡¯s poses to the best of her ability. Creaking on the stairs caught the attention of both of them. Opal hurried to push Gisli toward the back exit by Henry¡¯s pen, but she wasn¡¯t quite fast enough.


    ¡°Gods above...¡± she heard from behind her. ¡°Opal, what is that and why is it in my shop?¡±


    Opal turned a cautious smile on her face as she continued to push Gisli toward the door. ¡°This is Gisli,¡± the bear had her claws in the ground trying to stop advancing toward the door. ¡°Gisli is my steed, very similar to your familiar, Mette. Just bigger. but I promise this is not another scary monster.¡± Gisli glanced down at Opal with a huff. ¡°I said you are NOT a scary monster.¡±


    Gudrun sighed, ¡°Why is a bear in my shop? Look what it is doing to my floors! Don¡¯t let your bear eat Henry.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Gisli doesn¡¯t eat...¡± Opal sighed as she continued to push Gisli toward the door, the bear huffed in response, digging her claws into the floor. ¡°Come. On. Gisli.¡± She huffed as she stopped pushing on the bear. ¡°Fine,¡± she sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll find you a fish pie. But you need to go outside. Oh and do not eat the goat.¡± Opal stated. ¡°It won¡¯t sit well.¡±


    Gisli finally made her way out the door leaving Gudrun and Opal in the shop alone. Gudrun glanced over to where Dean¡¯s body lay against the wall of her shop. She sighed, her head hanging.


    ¡°I am not sure what we should do with the body,¡± she stated. ¡°Definitely cannot leave him sitting in my shop like that. Can you help me move him?¡± She asked glancing toward Opal.


    Opal nodded, ¡°Is there a better place?¡±


    ¡°At least away from the windows,¡± she sighed. ¡°So what¡¯s the bears name?¡±


    ¡°Gisli,¡± Opal grunted as she hauled Dean¡¯s body out of sight of the front door. The bear poked her head back through the door from Henry¡¯s pen. ¡°Go back outside...¡± she sighed as she set Dean¡¯s body down. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Gudrun chuckled, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you brought Gisli out before?¡±


    ¡°A polar bear strolling through town catches a lot of attention,¡± she said. ¡°Learned that the hard way.¡± She glanced out the window toward the bear and her eyes widened. ¡°I may have a way to get rid of the body...¡± Opal ran back outside and pulled Gisli toward Dean.


    Gudrun frowned, ¡°I¡¯m not sure I like where this is going.¡±


    ¡°Gisli can eat him,¡± she stated.


    Gudrun shook her head, ¡°Now I am sure that I do not like where this is going. Opal, we cannot let your white polar bear eat a man.¡± She sighed, ¡°We are trying to get rid of evidence. Your bear will be walking around with a bloody face.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get Gisli all cleaned up before we go out on the town,¡± Opal stated.


    Gudrun glanced between the body and the bear, she shrugged. ¡°Save the bones for me. They make a nice fertilizer for the plants.¡±


    Opal glanced toward Gisli then toward the body. She gave her command in primordial and the bear hesitated before taking her first bite. Opal took a seat at the table nearby.


    ¡°What is that noise?¡± Edge asked as she stepped into the room. She rounded the corner to see Gisli and her whiskers twitched. ¡°What the...¡± She gagged. ¡°What the hell?¡± She turned pulling a pouch from her side and holding it to her mouth.


    ¡°We needed to get rid of the evidence,¡± Opal stated.


    ¡°But we didn¡¯t do anything wrong,¡± Edge argued.


    Gudrun sighed, ¡°Do you really think the town guard would believe that?¡±


    Edge frowned, ¡°I don¡¯t like this.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t either,¡± T¡¯hih-me said quietly from behind Edge. ¡°Will the bear hurt me?¡±


    Opal shook her head, ¡°Gisli won¡¯t hurt any of you. She is very sweet.¡±


    ¡°Tell that to Dean,¡± Edge gagged yet again turning away.


    ...


    The group stood in front of the ¡°abandoned¡± windmill. Opal watched as the arms spun round and round. She frowned, Gudrun and Edge had said that this windmill had not been operational for years. There was a sign painted red above the front door. The doors and windows around the front were all locked from the outside. It didn¡¯t feel right.


    ¡°Do you think they are trying to keep something in?¡± T¡¯hih-me asked.


    Gudrun nodded, ¡°There are quite a lot of homeless individuals out here. Maybe we should ask around. See if anyone knows anything about what is inside.¡± She glanced at Opal. ¡°You¡¯re with me. T¡¯hih-me will go with Edge. We should split up to get the most information.¡±


    Opal opened her mouth to argue but T¡¯hih-me spoke first, ¡°Sounds good! Let¡¯s go.¡± He glanced toward Edge with a smile.


    ¡°This work for you?¡± Gudrun asked and Opal nodded hesitantly. ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡± Gudrun led the way through the small part of town. Soon enough Edge and T¡¯hih-me were out of sight.


    Gudrun approached a few people as they walked. Each one said a variation of, ¡°Once someone goes into the windmill, they never come out again.¡± Not a single person that they spoke with knew what was inside.


    ¡°Hello,¡± Gudrun smiled warmly at the older woman. ¡°Have you heard or seen anything about the windmill over there?¡±


    The woman glanced at Opal suspiciously, ¡°Who¡¯s askin¡¯?¡±


    Gudrun glanced back toward her companion. ¡°The name is Gudrun,¡± she slipped a silver coin into the woman¡¯s hand quickly. ¡°Just a concerned neighbor.¡±


    The woman eyed Gudrun and bit into the coin, she nodded and glanced back up. ¡°Death awaits anyone who walks through those doors.¡± She frowned, ¡°The doors open once every few days and offer shelter to those that need it.¡±


    ¡°Why would anyone go in if they know it means death?¡± Opal looked horrified.


    Gudrun furrowed her brow at the younger woman as the older woman just laughed and walked away. Gudrun looked like she wanted to say something, but she held her tongue.


    They began to slowly make their way back to the meeting point where T¡¯hih-me and Edge were already waiting. When they reunited, Edge shared many similar comments that they had heard. The windmill meant to death to any that entered. Yet as the door opened that afternoon, multiple homeless individuals walked right on in.


    T¡¯hih-me stepped up to the group, ¡°There is another door around back. It¡¯s not locked.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s check it out,¡± Gudrun stated as they followed T¡¯hih-me.


    They stepped into the windmill and were greeted with sudden warmth. It was still chilly, but not nearly as cold as it had been outside. Opal stepped up to the next door but it was locked. Edge shimmied forward and quickly picked the lock.


    Beyond the door was a hallway with a door to their right and an archway to their left. Gudrun poked her head around through the archway and sighed. She gestured for the group to come closer. Opal stepped forward noticing an odd smell in the building, something they hadn¡¯t noticed outside. In the large room there were cots, at least twenty of them. All filled with sleeping human forms.


    The group turned back toward the door behind them. Opal stepped forward as she opened that door. She frowned at the sudden chill that swept through the warm room. The room was dark and there was a layer of frost covering the inside portion of the door. The smell was much stronger in here. It almost caused Opal to gag.


    ¡°They are using this place as a meat processing plant,¡± Gudrun stated. ¡°That¡¯s how they are keeping the meat fresh.¡± Opal poked her head into the room. Bodies hung from the ceiling.


    Opal frowned, ¡°Are they...¡± Gudrun nodded and Opal¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°The people that come in here seeking shelter are being killed and processed into meat?¡±


    Gudrun glanced back toward the cots, ¡°Do you think we should try to find a way to free them?¡± She asked.


    Edge furrowed her brow, ¡°They wouldn¡¯t leave.¡± Gudrun nodded in agreement.


    Opal frowned, ¡°Wait so we are just going to leave them to die?¡±


    Gudrun glanced toward Edge and then back to Opal, ¡°We don¡¯t have the means to provide shelter to all these people. We don¡¯t have the means to provide anything to these people.¡±


    ¡°We can offer hope,¡± Opal tried.


    Gudrun shook her head, ¡°Have you ever been cold?¡± Opal nodded. ¡°Not regular cold, but bone chilling cold. The type of cold that you can never shake?¡± Opal thought for a moment and then shook her head. ¡°Have you ever been alone?¡± Opal thought again for a moment and shook her head. ¡°Try to imagine that for a moment. Being completely alone in the coldest cold, with no way out.¡±


    Opal frowned. She glanced toward the room filled with sleeping forms, her eyes glistening. Rune had always told her that hope could be found in even the darkest of places. Was he wrong?


    A thud from above pulled Opal from her thoughts. She glanced around the hall again noticing a set of stairs winding up to the second floor of the building. She led the way up the stairs to a dimly lit hallway. Near the other end of the hallway there was a door slightly ajar, with light seeping through into the hall. They could hear soft mumbling of a male voice.


    Opal continued down the hallway as quietly as possible, leading the group to the room. Through the crack in the door, Opal could see a steel great axe hanging on the wall. She took a step back away from the door, but they were too late. Whoever was inside had become very quiet.


    Opal watched as a white scaled arm reached for the great axe. ¡°Be ready...¡± she whispered.


    The door swung open revealing a tall, white Dragonborn male. He wore an apron covered in blood stains. Opal dodged as the great axe came crashing toward her. She yelped as the second swing caught her off balance. Edge pushed past her giving a few good hits to the Dragonborn. Suddenly the great axe was searing hot, burning with a bright white light. The Dragonborn smiled as he gripped the great axe tighter. Opal swung her Warhammer, clocking the male in the head. The Dragonborn stumbled slightly, his hand loosened around the great axe and it fell to the ground.


    ¡°Don¡¯t kill him!¡± Gudrun ordered. ¡°We need information.¡±


    Opal turned her attention back to the woozy Dragonborn, ¡°Grovel.¡± She commanded.


    The Dragonborn sank to his knees, gritting his teeth. Edge was quick as she tied him up. Opal helped by holding down the male. T¡¯hih-me stood in the background, not getting involved.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Gudrun asked as she stepped closer to the dragonborn. He spit at her feet. ¡°Ahh, you are going to make it difficult.¡± She handed her dagger to Edge. ¡°You might want to be a little more forth coming. She gets a little testy.¡± Gudrun smiled toward Edge as the tabaxi ran the dagger along the dragonborn¡¯s neck. ¡°Now what is your name?¡±


    He took a breath through gritted teeth, ¡°Breiner.¡± He stated.


    ¡°Who are you selling this meat to?¡± The dragonborn huffed a laugh, Gudrun glanced at Edge quickly. She pulled one of his fingers and sliced it off in one clean blow.


    He bit back a scream, taking another deep breath. ¡°Nothing you can do will get me to answer that.¡± Gudrun glanced toward Opal and Edge then out toward the hall.


    They lifted the dragonborn and dragged him toward the rounded overlook of the first floor. Gudrun smiled wickedly as they held the man over the ledge just above a grinding pit.


    The dragonborn sighed loudly, ¡°Are you trying to scare me?¡±


    ¡°Keep holding him,¡± Edge ordered Opal as she shifted the dagger.


    Gudrun stepped forward, ¡°Who are you selling this meat to?¡±


    He rolled his eyes, but before he could speak Opal caught his gaze. ¡°Answer.¡± She commanded.


    The glint in his eyes shifted and his lip curled as he said, ¡°Slice and Dice.¡±


    ¡°We got it,¡± Opal turned toward Gudrun and Edge. ¡°We should...¡±


    ¡°Kill him,¡± Gudrun stated. ¡°He deserves the same fate as those that he trapped here.¡± Opal¡¯s eyes widened in horror as Gudrun turned away.


    Without warning, Edge pushed the man over the ledge into the pit and started the machinery. Opal felt heat rush up her cheeks and nausea take over. She ran from the ledge, swallowing hard to push the bile back. She found T¡¯hih-me standing in the dragonborn¡¯s room. He was going through the papers on the desk.


    ¡°Did you find anything in here?¡± She asked as she took a deep calming breath.


    He shook his head, ¡°Nothing that you guys don¡¯t already know.¡± She followed his gaze to a shipment notice for Slice and Dice. ¡°We should get out of here.¡± He said sadly. ¡°I think we should stay at an inn for the night instead of with Gudrun.¡±


    Opal nodded, ¡°I agree. We can always meet back up with them in the morning.¡± He nodded in agreement.


    As they made their way down the stairs they heard Gudrun speaking with the homeless individuals that had been sleeping on the first floor. ¡°Now, I want this to be a reputable place of business. No more grinding humanoids into meat. Use this place to keep people safe.¡± She glanced toward Opal and T¡¯hih-me as they passed. ¡°Keep each other safe.¡±

 Session 7: Slice and Dice

    Opal sat in the dark, cold room. She watched as T¡¯hih-me slept in the bed across from her. They had only been able to find a single room for the night, thankfully there were two beds. Opal sat at the old desk, her journal out and her writing fast.


    ¡°There are so many places in this town that are being swallowed by darkness. I don¡¯t even know where to start to bring back the light. Even with Gudrun, Edge, and T¡¯hih-me I can feel it. How do I bring hope to these people? How do I show them the light?¡±


    She quickly stuffed her journal and quill back into her pack as she heard T¡¯hih-me stirring. She blew out the candle, sending the room into darkness and she tucked herself into bed. Her mind raced as she tossed and turned.  She couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what she had helped Gudrun and Edge do just a few hours earlier. Was this really the person she was becoming?


    ...


    Spring 47 YR 331


    T¡¯hih-me and Opal walked into Gudrun¡¯s shop the next morning. The boy looked refreshed and ready for the day while Opal could feel the exhaustion creeping in. She smiled warmly when she saw Gisli sitting on her haunches. The bear caught her eye and got to her feet.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry I didn¡¯t come back last night,¡± she told the bear. ¡°You must have been worried sick...¡± Gisli nuzzled into her shoulder.


    Gudrun sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t shoot the messenger. I have had a few neighborhood complaints of a large scary bear.¡±


    ¡°Do we need to look into it?¡± Opal asked. Gudrun frowned and then glanced toward Gisli. ¡°Oh, you mean Gisli is a big scary bear.¡± She sighed. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll see you later my friend.¡± She snuggled into Gisli¡¯s fur and then the bear disappeared in a puff of snow.


    Opal glanced around the room. Edge and T¡¯hih-me were arguing about the appropriateness of swearing, while Gudrun made breakfast. She seemed to be talking to herself and glancing to the side every so often.


    ¡°So,¡± she stepped up to the counter Gudrun was working at, ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡±


    She glanced up from her work, ¡°We should probably do some investigating. Check in on Slice and Dice. Maybe do a little scouting around the area.¡±


    Opal shrugged and gave a slight nod, ¡°Definitely worth looking into. Maybe the owners will have some information on what is going on around town?¡±


    ¡°Edge, swearing will get you swooped up!¡± T¡¯hih-me exclaimed as he joined Opal and Gudrun. ¡°That¡¯s what Ma Suzie always said.¡±


    Edge rolled her eyes, ¡°I have been swearing probably longer than you have been alive and I have never been swooped up.¡±


    T¡¯hih-me¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Ma Susie would never lie. That would¡­¡±


    ¡°Let me guess,¡± Edge interrupted, ¡°get you swooped up?¡±


    ¡­


    The line stretched around the block from the small corner shop. Gudrun stretched her neck over the line trying to gage how many more customers there would be until they made it to the front. She was in the middle of counting yet again as Edge stepped back up to the group.


    ¡°Twenty¡­nine¡­sixty-two,¡± she smirked as Gudrun rolled her eyes. ¡°There is a fairly good group of people around here. May not be best to just go up to the window and ask why they are serving the type of meat they are serving.¡±


    Gudrun nodded in agreement, ¡°It might be best to stop by after hours.¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t we ask them now?¡± Opal questioned.


    Edge shook her head, ¡°Start mass panic on what is in our food when it is already scarce enough?¡±


    ¡°Might get the right people to notice though,¡± Gudrun offered. ¡°I think I agree with Opal on this one. We might not want to come out and say it when we get up to the window¡­but maybe we can cause a scene.¡±


    T¡¯hih-me hopped into the conversation, ¡°Do you still have any teeth from Dean?¡± His voice was barely above a whisper. ¡°We could conveniently find it in a purchased meat pie.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Gudrun smirked, ¡°That is brilliant, buddy.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that lying?¡± Edge asked


    ¡°My name is not buddy,¡± he frowned. Gudrun¡¯s jaw dropped as she glanced between T¡¯hih-me and Opal. ¡°It¡¯s not lying. There very well could be human teeth in the meat.¡±


    They waited a few more minutes before they finally made it to the front of the line. A halfling woman with deep smile lines and greying hair greeted them.


    ¡°Well howdy there,¡± she smiled warmly. ¡°A few new faces today. Isn¡¯t that always the best Harv?¡± She glanced at the older halfling behind her and he grunted in response. ¡°Well what can I do ya for?¡±


    Gudrun did a quick head count, ¡°Four meat pies please and thank you!¡±


    ¡°Four meat pies coming up,¡± she smiled.


    The woman turned away from the group, but was back within seconds with four meat pies. She handed them over the counter. The group quickly made their way back toward the street. Opal stood between T¡¯hih-me and the shop as Gudrun planted the tooth in T¡¯hih-me¡¯s pie.


    ¡°Oh my what is that?¡± Gudrun called loudly as she covered her mouth. ¡°Is that a tooth in your pie?¡± A few people in line glanced our way but didn¡¯t seem too bothered.


    ¡°Is it contaminated?¡± T¡¯hih-me¡¯s voice caught a few more ears.


    While they were causing quite the commotion, the line didn¡¯t seem to budge. Opal caught the eye of the halfling woman back in the shop. She waved her over.


    ¡°Did I hear right,¡± she started. ¡°Your friend over there found a tooth in his pie?¡±


    Opal nodded, ¡°That¡¯s what it sounds like.¡±


    The woman frowned, ¡°Well bring him on up and we will get him a new pie right away. On the house of course.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Opal waved the group over quickly.


    The woman glanced at them again. ¡°Why don¡¯t you all come right inside? We will make a fresh pie. It will take just a few moments.¡± She glanced at the older man, and a young elf standing near a cauldron. ¡°Stevie! Can you watch the front?¡± The elven boy nodded.


    The group followed the woman into the back of the shop. She glanced at them and frowned. ¡°Now why would you all pretend to find a tooth in a perfectly good meat pie?¡±


    Gudrun stammered, ¡°We weren¡¯t pretending. Show them the pie T¡¯hih-me.¡±


    He held out the pie for her to examine. She frowned. ¡°Now honey, I¡¯m going to ask one more time. Why were you all pretending to find a tooth in a perfectly good pie?¡±


    ¡°Because your meat is contaminated with human remains,¡± Opal stated. ¡°The butcher that sends you your meat was grinding up humanoid remains in the old windmill.¡± Her face paled.


    Gudrun furrowed her brow, ¡°You didn¡¯t know¡­¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± the woman stated as she rushed toward the open store front. ¡°Harv, we are closing up shop. Sorry folks, we are sold out for the day! Thank you!¡±


    ¡°Torny?¡± Harv questioned. ¡°We got¡­¡±


    ¡°No more meat pies today!¡± She shut the front door and windows hurriedly. ¡°The meat is contaminated! We need to start cleaning the processor immediately. It is going to take at least a week to find a new supplier¡­¡±


    Harv stepped up to the woman and placed his hands on her shoulders, ¡°The kid faked a tooth in his pie and now you are rushing around here¡­¡±


    ¡°There are human remains in our meat,¡± she stated. ¡°In all of our meat.¡±


    Stevie sniffed and pushed up his glasses, ¡°That¡¯s gross.¡±


    ¡°How do you all know that the meat was contaminated?¡± Harv asked.


    Gudrun pulled out the map they had found with Eira, the red ¡®X¡¯ over the old windmill. ¡°We were informed of some nefarious dealings taking place at the old windmill. When we went to investigate we found the evidence. Your shop was listed as one receiving the meat.¡±


    Torny¡¯s eyes widened in horror, ¡°Our little shop was linked to nefarious dealings?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know,¡± Opal offered.


    Torny glanced up, ¡°If you all are looking into all of this, you may want to check out the shop across the street.¡± Harv gave her a look. ¡°There has to be something going on there. Sword¡¯s Brand going in and out all hours of the day.¡±


    Gudrun¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Which shop?¡±


    Torny pointed at the shop catty corner to them, ¡°They get deliveries of meat from the same man as us.¡±


    ¡°White Dragonborn?¡± Edge asked.


    Torny nodded, ¡°Breiner.¡±


    ¡­


    The alley was quiet now that Slice and Dice had closed for the day. The long line had quickly disbanded and people were making their way toward other shops. Torny let the group leave out the backdoor, pointing in the direction of the other shop receiving meat from Breiner.


    ¡°We should split up,¡± Gudrun stated as they approached the shop. ¡°We can do a perimeter check first and meet back here. Opal, you are with me.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Opal started, glancing at T¡¯hih-me.


    Gudrun frowned, ¡°It is better if Edge and I each have one of you guys with us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea!¡± T¡¯hih-me agreed. ¡°Just in case we run into something.¡±


    Opal nodded hesitantly as she followed Gudrun down the alley. She examined the bricks and stonework of the buildings. She frowned as she noticed an odd yellow marking along the windowsill of the building to her left. The marking seemed familiar. As she reached forward, the window exploded.


    ¡°Opal!¡± She barely heard Gudrun yell as the bugbear slammed her body into the ground.


    She groaned as she swung her warhammer wildly hoping to strike her assailant. She stood, her head spinning and back throbbing. They were surrounded.